Caldmore Primary Academy Nursery

Ladybirds and Butterflies give Caldmore’s nursery its small-group identity. These two family groups each have a key person, making a familiar adult part of the nursery experience. The provision belongs to Caldmore Primary Academy on Carless Street in Walsall and caters for children aged 3 to 4, with entry from the term after their third birthday.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 18 and 19 March 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play combines activities guided by adults with choices made by children. Staff watch and listen as children play, then use their interests and development to plan learning. This gives children room to pursue an idea while adults shape what comes next.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven connected areas. For parents, that means learning about relationships and feelings, developing movement and communication, and exploring number, literacy, creativity and the surrounding world. Children investigate, try things out and keep working when something proves difficult. Developing their own ideas matters too.

Read Write Inc introduces sounds in Nursery, giving early reading a named starting point. Language also receives specific attention through Welcomm and Early Talk Boost in EYFS. In March 2025, children’s language development was checked effectively and teaching adjusted to individual needs. Early years routines became established quickly. The practical benefit is a learning day shaped around children’s communication needs as well as their interests.

A key person belongs to each of the Ladybirds and Butterflies groups. The nursery uses this family-group approach to help children settle, build familiar relationships and receive attention to their learning needs. It gives settling a clear organising principle: a smaller group and a recognisable adult.

Milk is provided, water can be accessed throughout the session, and children can choose fruit at snack time. These are straightforward refreshments within the session rather than a reason to assume a lunchtime place.

For children needing additional help, EYFS support can include extra Welcomm groups. Individual workstations, Makaton and support individually or in small groups may also be used according to need. Across the academy, a speech and language therapist attends weekly. The school aims to involve parents in discussions about support, so families have a role in considering how their child’s needs should be met.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority’s normal admissions process.

For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Applications can be submitted online or in writing, using one method only. The local authority tells families whether a place has been offered. Treat that application as a separate task while your child attends nursery.

The universal 15 funded hours are delivered as five morning sessions, 08:30 to 11:30, or five afternoon sessions, 12:30 to 15:30. Nursery carries no additional charges. For families, the practical choice is between two fixed session patterns.

Enquiries go through the academy office on 01922 721359 or CPA-postbox@attrust.org.uk. The address is Carless Street, Walsall, WS1 3RH.

The academy requires uniform: a white polo shirt, red sweatshirt or cardigan, grey bottoms and sensible black shoes. Clothing with the academy logo is optional. Pre-loved uniform can be selected from the rail outside the school office, providing another way to obtain the required clothing.