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Nursery at New Invention Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud kitchen play, wellies kept on pegs and classrooms arranged for children to choose their own activities give this nursery its practical, play-based character. New Invention Infant School’s nursery takes children aged three and four and operates within the school’s registration. There are up to 39 morning places and 39 afternoon places, with both 15-hour and 30-hour patterns offered according to demand.
Entry is in the autumn after a child’s third birthday, rather than through a January intake. For parents, this means planning around a school-year start. The early years provision received a Needs attention judgement in Ofsted’s March 2026 report. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play is the main route into learning for the youngest children. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), activities address children’s development across different areas, with adult guidance alongside opportunities to make choices. Clearly separated classroom areas allow children to move between activities, while the balance of adult-selected tasks and children’s own ideas gives sessions both direction and independence.
The school’s curriculum follows seasonal themes: Me and My Imagination in autumn, Heroes and Villains in spring, and Natural World in summer. These move from children’s own interests and feelings towards relationships, safety and the environment. Outdoors, the mud kitchen and water play make suitable clothing part of the learning kit. Children use outdoor space in different weather conditions, so wellies remain at school ready for use.
There are strengths and concerns to weigh together. In March 2026, the early years curriculum built learning in a planned sequence, using children’s initial knowledge and needs to shape activities. Adults generally extended vocabulary through conversation during play and more directed tasks. However, some exchanges missed chances to develop language, and uneven phonics teaching held back some children’s progress. Staff training was addressing spoken language. Early reading and talk. Consistency remained an improvement priority, making these useful topics for discussion about a child’s learning.
Preparation begins before children join. The March 2026 early years findings describe an entry process that establishes individual needs ahead of the nursery start. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received appropriate help and progressed suitably from their starting points. Staff also taught routines and behaviour expectations, helping children participate in play and learning.
The staffing structure includes a nursery teacher, family group leaders and a nursery teaching assistant. Practical care includes a named bag of spare clothes for accidents, easy-fastening footwear and jogging bottoms recommended to help children manage toileting independently. For families needing wider support, the school signposts Walsall SENDIASS for impartial advice. Paper copies of school newsletters can be requested through the office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Walsall Council using its online preference form. The school directs families to complete this in the autumn after their child starts nursery, with preferences for three primary schools.
Familiarity with adults in later classes is part of the school nursery’s approach to the next stage. That familiarity and the curriculum’s continuity are separate from the admissions decision: families still need to apply through the council.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The 15-hour pattern uses one of these sessions on five days each week. Children taking the 30-hour pattern attend from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Those places are currently restricted to eligible working families and depend on application numbers.
Lunchtime charges. A termly additional charge applies to 30-hour nursery places to cover lunchtime costs. Families should use the school’s current charges when budgeting. Nursery application forms come from the School Office; a birth certificate and recent Council Tax bill are required. Enquiries can go to 01922 710871 or postbox@invention-i.walsall.sch.uk.
Royal blue jumpers or cardigans can come from any supplier. Polo shirts may be white or blue, with grey or black bottoms. Named spare clothing and weather-appropriate outdoor clothes are practical essentials.
The nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds. Children enter in the autumn following their third birthday; there is no January intake at present.
Morning sessions are 8.30am–11.30am and afternoon sessions are 12.30pm–3.30pm. The 30-hour attendance pattern runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
The school currently offers these places to eligible working families, with availability depending on the number of applicants. An additional termly lunchtime charge applies.
No. Parents must apply separately through Walsall Council’s online preference form. Nursery attendance does not mean an automatic transfer.
Collect an application form from the School Office. You will need your child’s birth certificate and your most recent Council Tax bill as address evidence.
