The Deanery Church of England Primary School Nursery

Daily stories, nursery rhymes and Forest School give Deanery’s nursery its character: language and exploration share the morning. This is the school’s own 52-place nursery in Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The school describes its Christian ethos through values including hope, peace and joy.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 12 and 13 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The nursery morning starts at 9am and finishes at noon. Within the EYFS, the school aims to develop children’s learning alongside their physical, emotional and social development, adapting experiences to individual needs. For parents, that means the focus extends beyond early academic skills to how children communicate, move and relate to others.

Books and spoken language have concrete daily outlets. Storytime happens each day, with books drawn from the Reading Spine. Children also learn nursery rhymes supported by Little Wandle resources. Rhymes introduce vocabulary and help children notice sounds; accompanying actions give small and larger movements a purpose. These are activities families can share at home, too.

Creative work gives children room to make choices. EYFS art includes exploring materials and making marks, with children’s own ideas shaping what they make. Design and technology uses tasks with more than one possible outcome, encouraging children to experiment and solve problems. Early years computing starts through exploratory play with technology.

Natural outdoor spaces extend the learning environment. Forest School forms part of the EYFS curriculum, giving children opportunities to investigate and pursue their interests outdoors. Sessions continue in different weather conditions, except storms, so suitable clothing matters. Indoors, the November 2024 early years findings described plentiful learning materials within children’s reach and skilled adult interaction that developed language. Access to materials and adult conversation work together here.

Settling into routines was a strength of the early years provision in November 2024: children became accustomed to them quickly, supported by caring adults. Staff used accurate language in their interactions, making everyday conversation part of learning as well as care.

Early identification of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), followed by effective help, was another early years finding that month. The school’s inclusion structure includes a SEND coordinator, a specialist teaching assistant and Autism Champion roles. Parents can contact the SEND team through the school office, providing a direct route for discussing their child’s needs. An EYFS phase leader gives early years a place within the school’s leadership structure.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s intake.

For the September 2026 Reception intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. Treat choosing a nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions, even when both concern Deanery.

Morning hours. The nursery session runs from 9am to noon. Families need collection arrangements that fit this shorter day.

Some nursery children use Extended School Care before and after their session. This can extend the time spent at school for those children; it should be considered separately from the nursery morning itself.

For enquiries, contact the school office on 0121 351 6441 or email enquiry@deanery.bham.sch.uk. Visits to the school can be arranged through the office. For Forest School, pack waterproof trousers and a jacket, sturdy footwear and a bag for muddy shoes, with warm clothing suited to the season.