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Nursery at Barcroft Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Cottages, grass and nature experiences give Barcroft’s early years outdoor space its character. This is a school nursery with separate morning and afternoon groups: 52 places overall, divided into 26 for each session. For families, that means choosing a part-time pattern within the academy rather than assuming a full school day.
Children can join from the term after their third birthday, or the day after turning three if space permits. Intakes are staggered across the autumn, spring and summer terms, allowing starts at different points in the year.
Outdoor provision includes cottages on a grassed area, opportunities to explore nature, and playground equipment with a slide. These give children different ways to use the early years space, from imaginative play around the cottages to physical activity on the playground. The setting has concrete features for both kinds of play.
Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; the afternoon group attends from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. These are distinct sessions, so collection falls before midday for the morning group and later in the afternoon for the other group. The timetable is a practical consideration for anyone fitting nursery around work or another child’s day.
Settling begins with nursery staff visiting the child at home. Parent and child taster sessions follow, giving families opportunities to become familiar with the setting before the start. For a child joining during the year, transition is planned to suit the child and their parents rather than relying solely on the main intake arrangements.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), planning draws on parents and professionals who already know the child. An early years advisory teacher supports children with SEND moving into the nursery from preschool or private nursery provision. This gives existing knowledge about a child’s needs a place in the preparations for their start.
Across the academy, communication support includes Makaton and Inprint symbol resources. A sensory room provides another physical resource for children with sensory needs. Parents can discuss developmental concerns and contact the SENDCo through the academy office, providing a route for conversations about individual support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no Reception admissions priority. Families must make a separate application through the local authority. For Walsall residents, this is an online application to Walsall Council, with up to three school preferences. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was before 15 January 2026; that admissions cycle is now past.
Preparation for the move is a separate matter. Teachers exchange information, children meet their next teacher and try sessions in the new classroom, and transition booklets go home to help them recognise the people and spaces ahead. Children with SEND have additional visits to ease anxiety. These arrangements build familiarity, but they do not change how a Reception place is allocated.
Nursery applications go directly to the academy using a paper form from the office. Registering early helps the academy plan, but registration neither promises a place nor gives priority. Families receive the application outcome in writing and accept an offered place by returning the form or emailing the office.
Uniform applies to nursery too. It combines a white shirt or polo top with a burgundy jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt, and dark grey or black trousers, skirt or pinafore. Footwear must be plain black. Families therefore need to prepare academy clothing as well as organise the session’s start and collection times.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday, or the day after turning three if there is sufficient space. Staggered intakes take place in autumn, spring and summer.
The morning session is 8:45am to 11:45am. The afternoon session is 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Nursery staff make a home visit, followed by parent and child taster sessions. A child joining midyear is offered transition arrangements suited to the child and parents.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority or guarantee. A separate local authority application is required.
Apply directly to the academy using a paper application form available from the office. Registration does not guarantee availability or confer priority.
