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Nursery at Walmley Infant School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Kingfishers, Puffins, Owls and Robins give Walmley Infant School’s nursery its daily structure: four family groups, each with 13 children. There are 52 full-time places, with entry in September following a child’s third birthday. This is the school’s own nursery on Walmley Ash Road in Sutton Coldfield.
Small-group activities sit alongside opportunities to choose what to explore indoors and outside. That combination is the defining practical feature here: children spend part of their day with their family group, while also choosing activities across the nursery environment.
Two focused activities each day bring children together in their family groups. Beyond those sessions, they can move between the indoor nursery and outdoor area, choosing activities for themselves. The day therefore includes both planned group learning and time to pursue an interest independently.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the learning and development framework for children from birth to age five. It covers language, movement and relationships alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. At Walmley, those ideas take concrete form through play: in July 2024, Ofsted described nursery children’s enthusiasm for outdoor learning, with a play supermarket and scientific investigation hut providing opportunities to practise numbers and early writing. Learning has a purpose children can recognise.
Early-years children also explored their own life events through personal timelines, building an understanding of earlier and later experiences. That gives new vocabulary a familiar starting point.
Indoor environment. The same July 2024 inspection identified shortcomings in the nursery’s indoor layout and resources, which needed further work to support the curriculum. For families, the indoor space deserves as much attention as the outdoor activities.
Preparation for starting includes a booklet about the child and activities intended to ease transition worries for children and parents. Photo books go home for use during the holidays and may show teaching assistants, classrooms and lunchtime supervisors. Familiar faces and rooms give families something concrete to talk through together.
Hot lunches are encouraged for nursery children. Families order and pay through School Gateway ten days ahead, making meals part of the planning required for the week. The September 2026 application form asks about dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and halal preferences.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), WellComm assessments and resources help staff plan language support in nursery. The school’s support facilities include a Sensory Room for quiet time, a nursery ramp and an accessible toilet in nursery. Provision is tailored to individual needs, so these facilities are starting points for discussing a child’s care rather than a promise of identical support for everyone.
Tapestry provides an online learning journal for communication with families. The SEND arrangements also include meetings with staff and termly reviews, giving parents opportunities to discuss support and progress.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Birmingham Local Authority’s admissions process, following the normal application timetable.
The school’s admissions page lists criteria for September 2024/25 covering care status, siblings, children of staff and distance; nursery attendance is not listed as a priority criterion for that cycle. Keep the Reception application separate from the decision to attend nursery.
Transition support has a different purpose. The SEND policy includes planning with parents, teachers and relevant outside agencies, alongside visits where needed and photo books to build familiarity. These preparations help children anticipate a change; they do not allocate a school place.
Full-time provision accepts 30-hour funding. Families using that funding must obtain and renew their code in time for each term; a top-up charge applies if they do not receive the funding or miss the qualifying date. Meals are charged separately. Contact the school for current charges.
The school’s weekday gate windows are 8:40–8:50am and 3:10–3:20pm. These are gate-opening times. Tell staff if collection arrangements change, including a delay or a different adult collecting.
Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 0121 351 1355 or enquiry@walmleyinfant.org. Mid-year enquiries are directed to the office by telephone.
Children can start in September after their third birthday. The nursery has 52 full-time places.
Children belong to Kingfishers, Puffins, Owls or Robins, with 13 children in each family group. They have two focused activities daily and can also choose activities indoors and outside.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Birmingham Local Authority. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion in the school’s listed September 2024/25 arrangements.
Yes. Families must obtain and renew their funding code in time for each term. A top-up charge applies if they do not receive that funding or miss the qualifying date; meals have a separate charge.
Hot school meals are encouraged. They are booked and paid for through School Gateway ten days in advance.
