Sunshine Academy: Little Rays Nursery

Twenty-six morning places and twenty-six afternoon places give Little Rays its practical shape. Sunshine Academy’s nursery has 52 places in total and admits children after they turn three, with staggered entry in the autumn, spring and summer terms. It sits within the school on Blakenall Lane in Leamore, Walsall.

A morning session runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; the afternoon runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. These are distinct three-hour sessions, giving families a clear collection point for either part of the day.

Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), personal, social and emotional development addresses children’s feelings and relationships. Sunshine aims to build their social understanding and wellbeing through this part of the curriculum. Individual EYFS targets are shared with parents, making the next steps in a child’s learning part of the home-school conversation.

Junk modelling is one concrete example of early years practical learning. Across the school, design and technology activities can use visual prompts, adapted tools and adult support where needed, giving children different ways to take part in making and construction.

Settling starts with getting to know the child. Nursery staff usually offer September starters a home visit, giving parents time to explain their child’s interests and needs in familiar surroundings. For new children already known to have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the special educational needs coordinator contacts parents before entry to discuss concerns and possible solutions.

Communication support includes Makaton training for early years staff. Across the school, an NHS speech and language therapist makes termly visits to assess targeted children and plan support, which a trained teaching assistant then delivers. This gives families a connection between specialist assessment and support in school.

Parents of children with SEND are offered an additional meeting with the coordinator at least once each term. Support plans are also reviewed termly and shared with families. Concerns can be raised with the class teacher or coordinator, so parents have a route into discussions between reviews.

Physical adaptations include a ramp at the main school entrance and a children’s adapted toilet with a handrail. Children with medical needs have individual care plans developed with parents, with nursing advice where needed.

Attending Little Rays does not guarantee a Reception place at Sunshine Academy. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route. Walsall residents apply online through Walsall Council; nursery registration does not replace that application.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was before 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past, so families should use the timetable for their child’s entry year.

Transition support is a separate matter. Once a Sunshine place has been allocated, parents are invited to a meeting to meet Reception teachers, see classrooms and receive a welcome pack. This helps families prepare for the change but does not confer an admissions advantage.

Little Rays offers both 15-hour and 30-hour provision. Contact the school office about the 30-hour arrangement and current charges for extras. Nursery enquiries can be made on 01922 710174 or through the Nursery Registration form. School visits can also be arranged through the office.

Collection needs advance planning. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged at least 16, and parents should tell staff if a different person will collect. Parents are responsible for supervising children on the playground before and after school, and children must stay off the equipment at those times.