The Priory Primary School Nursery

Songs, sensory play and building blocks give The Priory’s nursery day its shape, with adult-led learning balanced by time for children to play freely. This is the school’s own provision for three- and four-year-olds on Dorsett Road in Friar Park, Wednesbury. A nursery teacher sits within the early years team.

The Ofsted report dated 20 January 2026 graded early years at Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than giving the nursery a separate rating.

Stories and singing sit alongside conversations about the day’s activities. Children then work with paint, explore sensory materials and tackle puzzles or games; blocks give them opportunities to build. The combination puts listening and talking alongside practical exploration, rather than making the session solely about adult-directed tasks.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early learning and children’s developing independence. Here, the early years curriculum emphasises communication, books and mathematics, alongside learning with friends and managing personal care. Carefully selected stories introduce vocabulary, while repeated opportunities to speak help children practise using unfamiliar words. Interactive workshops add another way to explore ideas.

For mathematics, early years children draw on familiar experiences and their surroundings to investigate numbers. Physical activities in nursery also give children practice in larger movements. Learning continues at home through regularly set tasks that usually involve doing something together with a parent or carer, making family participation part of the nursery’s approach.

The Ofsted report dated 20 January 2026 found secure relationships between early years staff, children and their families. Children became comfortable with predictable routines quickly. Putting away their own possessions and taking responsibility for personal care helped them practise independence in small, everyday steps.

Staff monitor early years learning frequently and respond promptly when a child needs additional help. Parents receive updates about learning and guidance on supporting it at home, giving those conversations a practical purpose.

Beyond the nursery teacher, the school’s inclusion team includes welfare, safeguarding and wellbeing practitioner roles. For a concern about a nursery child, families can contact the early years phase leader through the school office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.

For families who pay council tax to Sandwell Council, the application route is Sandwell’s online process, including when choosing a school outside Sandwell. An email address is required to complete it.

Nursery enquiries can go through the school office on 0121 556 1383 or schooloffice@theprioryprimary.co.uk. Families can request a nursery place and submit a school tour request; office staff then confirm the visit’s day and time.

Uniform is required for children attending the school. White shirts or polo shirts accompany grey or dark trousers, with skirt and pinafore options, navy knitwear and black shoes. Branded jumpers and polo shirts are optional, so families have flexibility over where they buy those items.