Brownhills West Primary School Nursery

Stories, rhymes and shared snack time give Brownhills West’s nursery its character: language, play and learning to be part of a class. This is the school’s own nursery on Shannon Drive in Brownhills, with morning and all-day attendance options for families of three- and four-year-olds.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 January 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school. Children settled promptly and felt secure, with clear routines helping them get used to learning together.

Play shapes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. In parent terms, children learn through activities and interaction, with provision covering seven areas of learning. Development Matters guidance and the Early Learning Goals help organise that learning, rather than turning the nursery into a timetable of school subjects.

Language has a clear focus. In January 2025, stories and rhymes supported children’s language development, while early number teaching was a strength. Families are also encouraged to share nursery rhymes and stories at home and talk daily about nursery themes. That gives parents a practical way to continue the conversation beyond the session.

Wednesday brings PE, concentrating on movements involving the whole body. Sessions use either the school hall or outdoor space, giving children room for physical activity. Learning also reaches home through practical tasks linked to topics, sent on Fridays for the weekend. During the first term, settling takes precedence before these tasks are introduced.

Snack is a class occasion, giving children time to eat with their friends. Milk is provided, and fruit is offered to children who have not bought toast. Toast is an optional charged extra, paid for in cash directly to the teacher. Ask the school for current charges.

Class Dojo connects families with nursery learning: updates show the activities children take part in and explain home tasks. It gives parents something specific to discuss with their child, rather than relying only on a brief account of the day.

For concerns about learning or development, the class teacher is the first contact. The school’s SENDCo can also meet families by appointment through the office. This provides a route to discuss individual needs. Children’s belongings should be clearly labelled, supporting the nursery’s expectation that they look after their own things.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the school’s admission criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through Walsall Local Authority; the deadline for preference forms is January each year.

Treat this as a separate decision in your family calendar. Having a nursery place does not replace the Reception application, so keep the January deadline in mind while your child attends.

The morning session runs from 8.40am to 11.40am. All three- and four-year-olds qualify for the universal entitlement of 15 hours of free early education each week. All-day places are also offered, and the nursery accepts Working Parent 30-hour codes. Additional paid sessions are available; contact the school for current charges.

To arrange a visit or request an application form, call 01543 452766 or email postbox@brownhills-w.walsall.sch.uk. A visit offers a useful opportunity to see the nursery before applying.

For Wednesday PE, children need a plain white T-shirt with black shorts, leggings or joggers. Hair must be tied back and jewellery removed, including earrings. Collection changes go through the office: call early to add someone to the approved collection list, and try to telephone before 1pm for changes made during the school day.