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Nursery at Birches First 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Story times at the local library give Birches First School Nursery a connection beyond the classroom. This is the school's own nursery class in Codsall, taking children from age three. Its early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and conversation shape learning here. In November 2023, the early years classrooms combined activities with a clear learning purpose, supportive adult responses and opportunities for children to talk. For a young child, that means learning through doing and discussing, with adults helping the activity develop.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Art gives a concrete picture of what this means: three- and four-year-olds explore materials, choose resources for their ideas, practise using scissors and develop control of pencils. These activities connect creative expression with the physical skills needed to handle tools.
Nursery art includes large paintings and drawings, self-portraits, colour mixing and shaping clay into a lamp. Children also choose materials to make a crown, practise folding and threading, and draw plants and flowers. There is a practical purpose to the exploration: deciding what to use, joining pieces together and expressing an idea through something they have made.
Natural materials enter the work too. Children make impressions in clay and explore temporary arrangements of stones and leaves. Alongside these classroom activities, library story times introduce another place to enjoy books. Reading begins as a shared experience.
Encouraging adult interaction was a feature of early years in November 2023. The emphasis on conversation gives children opportunities to explain their ideas as they play.
Creative development is tracked each term through Tapestry within the EYFS area of Expressive Arts and Design. Parents receive an account of attainment against age expectations at the end of the academic year, giving them a point of reference for their child's progress.
Children whose Education, Health and Care Plan names the nursery must be admitted. This entitlement also reduces the places remaining for other applicants.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives an application any advantage. Parents must apply separately through the normal admissions process. Familiarity with the school does not change that requirement.
For September 2027 Reception entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Staffordshire residents apply through Staffordshire County Council; Wolverhampton residents use Wolverhampton's admissions route. Preferences are handled centrally through the coordinated admissions scheme, so families need to keep this application separate from their nursery arrangements.
Afternoon extended provision gives families an additional attendance option. When afternoon extended provision reaches its admission limit of 39 pupils, or the limit dictated by staffing ratios, children needing five days each week take preference over those requesting part-time attendance. That matters when planning a regular childcare pattern.
Nursery applications go directly to the school office. Families can register their child's details in advance, and the office then contacts them when applications are due. A visit can be arranged by telephone at a mutually convenient time. Contact the office on 01902 297910 or email office@birches.staffs.sch.uk.
The nursery class takes children from age three, with the nursery-year intake starting in September following their third birthday.
Activities include self-portraits, colour mixing, clay work, threading, folding and drawing plants and flowers.
No. It gives no advantage to the Reception application and does not guarantee admission. A separate application is required.
The closing date is 15 January 2027. Families apply through the admissions route for their home local authority.
Yes. Call the school office on 01902 297910 to arrange a mutually convenient time.
