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Nursery at Woodlands Academy of Learning
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor Learning Labs and a session built around stories give Woodlands nursery its character. This is the school's own provision for three- and four-year-olds in Short Heath, Willenhall, with morning, afternoon and 30-hour options. Nursery belongs to the Root phase alongside Reception, giving the youngest children a shared leadership structure within the school.
At the Ofsted inspection on 13 and 14 March 2023, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Learning moves between the classroom and outdoor space. Nursery children use outdoor Learning Labs at intervals through the day, so learning outside forms part of the session rather than being confined to a break. The autumn 2025 nursery programme also included Forest School and outdoor activities linked to topics. These give families a concrete picture of how outdoor learning fits into the routine.
Stories, rhymes and early reading sit alongside maths, music and PE. Woodlands bookworms featured in the autumn 2025 programme, with story and rhyme sessions bringing children together before home time. Shared snack time provided another pause in the learning sequence. The rhythm combines group activities with Learning Labs and learning adventures.
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), staff track children's development in stages. In March 2023, staff supported early years children's speaking and language development skilfully, while reading activities encouraged their interest in books. For parents, the emphasis is on developing communication alongside those first encounters with reading.
Preparation begins before a September start. Nursery staff make a personal telephone call, followed by a home visit for families they do not already know and a school meeting. Parent and child taster sessions take place in the latter half of the summer term. The Woodlands Learning Pack gives families resources and ideas for learning together, including early writing and reading activities. Children can begin getting familiar with nursery while a parent is alongside them.
In March 2023, children adapted promptly to early years routines, supported by adults who responded to their individual needs. Toilet training support is offered to parents whose children still wear nappies. Nursery children also receive a free fruit or vegetable snack; children attending for 30 hours have a lunch period from 11:30 to 12:30.
A nursery teaching assistant works within the Root phase structure. For children with SEND, an Early Years Advisory Teacher supports the move from preschool into nursery. Across the school, support includes a sensory room, Makaton and visual prompts. Parents participate in termly reviews of SEND support, giving them a regular opportunity to discuss progress and agree next steps.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the 2027/2028 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by its deadline. Walsall residents with children in Walsall nursery provision must complete the Walsall preference form; they can express up to three primary-school preferences.
Familiarity with the school is a separate matter. Class transition starts after the summer half-term, with children spending a couple of weeks in their next classroom to meet their teacher. This supports preparation for a new class, but does not determine admission.
Published morning nursery times are 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon times are 12:30pm to 3:30pm. These times are for guidance only and subject to change, so confirm current arrangements with the school. Children enter and leave using the ramp. Families can request a morning, afternoon or 30-hour pattern, although their preferred session is not guaranteed. That distinction matters when arranging work and collection.
Three- and four-year-olds have a 15-hour weekly funded entitlement during term time. The 30-hour provision requires eligibility for additional childcare funding and an eligibility code. Contact the school office directly for a nursery application, returning the completed form with the child's birth certificate.
Session preference. The school considers families' needs when allocating sessions, but cannot promise the requested pattern. Base childcare arrangements on the session actually offered.
The nursery provides early education for three- and four-year-olds.
Published morning nursery times are 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon times are 12:30pm to 3:30pm. These times are for guidance only and subject to change; confirm current arrangements with the school. A 30-hour option is also offered for eligible families.
For September starters, preparation includes a telephone call, a home visit if staff do not already know the family, a school meeting and parent and child taster sessions in the latter half of the summer term.
No. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion in the 2027/2028 arrangements and does not guarantee a place. Reception requires a separate application; Walsall residents with children in Walsall nursery provision must complete the Walsall preference form.
Apply directly to the school office using the nursery application form and provide the child's birth certificate. Families can indicate their preferred session, but that preference is not guaranteed.
