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Nursery at Old Hall 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication, small steps towards independence and an early understanding of each child’s needs shape the early years at Old Hall School. This is nursery provision within a specialist school, where learning must take account of complex needs rather than follow a single pace for everyone.
At the December 2024 inspection, the school catered for children on the autism spectrum, children with severe learning difficulties and those whose learning difficulties were profound and multiple; every pupil had an education, health and care plan. That context matters for families: the nursery belongs within specialist education, with children’s individual needs central to the experience.
Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 10 and 11 December 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Communication is a substantial part of learning here. In December 2024, early years staff had the training needed to help children develop language and communication. Children maintained their attention, anticipated what would happen and engaged with learning. These are meaningful steps for children whose participation may depend on developing the ability to attend, respond and express themselves.
Expectations start early. Adults establish routines and ways of behaving promptly, and children respond positively. A recognisable pattern to the day gives children something to learn and practise alongside the activities themselves. For parents, the emphasis is on participation as well as the knowledge a child acquires.
Learning also begins with practical independence. Preparation for later life starts in the earliest years and includes eating, drinking and making decisions. These everyday skills give learning a purpose beyond a lesson: taking part in care routines and expressing a preference are achievements in their own right.
Settling starts before children begin attending. Early transition work helps adults understand children’s needs before teaching starts, so the first stage involves getting to know the child as well as introducing school routines.
That preparation connects directly with the communication support in early years. Adults need to understand how a child participates, while the child needs ways to respond and engage. The December 2024 findings describe children responding very positively to the routines established for them. For families, this makes the preparation before starting a substantive part of the nursery experience, rather than simply an administrative step.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the school about the process for your child’s next placement. Treat choosing the nursery and securing the next placement as separate decisions.
The early years findings from December 2024 describe learning that equips children for their next educational stage. That is evidence about educational preparation, not an admissions entitlement. The distinction matters even when a child is already familiar with the school and its routines.
The school’s contact address is Bentley Lane, Walsall, WS2 7LU, and its telephone number is 01902368045. This provides a direct school contact for families considering its nursery provision. Ask the school about both nursery provision and the process for your child’s next placement.
Yes. Old Hall is a specialist school for children with complex needs. At the December 2024 inspection, all pupils had an education, health and care plan.
Early years provision was graded Outstanding at the inspection on 10 and 11 December 2024. This is the school’s early years judgement, not a separate nursery inspection.
Transition work begins before children start, helping adults understand their needs. Routines are then established early.
The early years findings emphasise communication, language, attention and engagement. Practical learning from the earliest years also includes eating, drinking and making choices.
No. Contact the school about the process for your child’s next placement.
