Nursery at St Bartholomew's CofE VC Primary School

Rhymes, stories and carefully chosen activities give the youngest children their starting point at St Bartholomew's. Learning begins from age two, within the primary school's early years provision. Two nursery classes come under an Early Years Lead, giving the nursery a shared leadership structure rather than leaving each class to operate separately.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 February 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Reading begins with listening. In February 2023, early years children heard plentiful stories and rhymes, while staff selected activities with clear learning purposes and used them to spark curiosity. This gives parents a concrete picture of the approach: enjoyable experiences are planned around what children need to learn.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds starts in the nursery. It is the school's chosen systematic synthetic phonics programme, providing a named approach to early reading rather than an unspecified introduction to books. The early years experience also has a caring foundation: in February 2023, children from age two were supported through planned activities that helped them achieve well. Enjoyment and purposeful learning sit together here.

For children under five, the nursery team can help families make contact with Health Visitors based at Kidderminster Health Centre. Parents can also approach the School Administrator. That creates a practical link between nursery and health support when a family needs help beyond the classroom.

Medical conditions requiring specialist care or additional support can be addressed through an Individual Health Care Plan. The School Administrator works with health professionals to prepare it, with adaptations and extra help intended to keep the child included in school activities.

SEND support sits within a wider school team that includes a SENCO, an Inclusion Manager and an officer responsible for vulnerable children. The school adapts timetables, provision and access arrangements where needed. For families, the useful distinction is that support can involve changes to the child's arrangements, as well as additional adult help.

Reception requires another application. Attending this nursery does not guarantee a place in the school's Reception class. Families must apply through the normal school admissions route, so choosing the nursery and securing a school place are separate decisions.

Worcestershire residents apply to Worcestershire County Council. Families living outside the county apply through their home local authority, which passes their preferences to Worcestershire for consideration. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that admissions cycle is now past.

An Early Years Lead supports both nursery classes and also teaches Reception. This provides a connection across the early years team. It should be understood as a staffing arrangement, rather than an admissions advantage.

School tours can be booked through the office on 01299 823454 or by emailing office@sbp.saet.co.uk. A visit gives families an opportunity to meet the setting before deciding whether to pursue a nursery place.

The school occupies a large site. When arranging a tour, keep the focus on the nursery provision and the spaces your child would use, so the visit informs the childcare decision you are making.