Blakeley Bears Nursery at Blakeley Heath Primary School

Space stories, rainbow activities and several outdoor learning spaces give Blakeley Bears its character. This is Blakeley Heath Primary School’s own nursery in Wombourne, catering for three- and four-year-olds. Provision runs Monday to Friday, with hours extending from 7.30am to 5.30pm, making the nursery relevant to families seeking a longer day as well as early education.

The early years lead oversees both nursery and Reception and also teaches the nursery class. Nursery teaching assistants form part of the team. That shared leadership connects the two stages of early education, although admission to each remains a separate matter.

Stories and themed activities provide concrete starting points for learning. In January 2026, nursery children explored space and listened to The Smeds and the Smoos. March brought a numbered Leprechaun hunt and activities inspired by rainbows for St Patrick’s Day. These examples bring counting, stories and discovery into the same learning experience.

Social learning has its own place. In February 2026, children discussed small acts of kindness, drew pictures and selected chocolates for gift bags. The activity gave them a practical way to think about another person’s feelings rather than leaving kindness as an abstract idea.

Multiple outdoor spaces serve the early years classes within the school grounds; there are also areas for forest school. Outdoor learning therefore has physical space alongside classroom activities. A fire engine visit is scheduled for nursery on 3 November 2026, adding another concrete subject for children to explore.

At the June 2025 inspection, children across the early years developed language through purposeful activities and made a strong beginning in mathematics. These findings concern early years collectively, rather than a separate nursery grade.

Settling began in stages for the September 2026 intake. A parent-and-child stay-and-play session on 1 September was followed by a children-only session on 2 September. This gave families an initial shared introduction before children spent time there independently.

School support includes individual practical work, interventions in small groups and help within classes. These are different ways of responding when a child needs additional assistance. The early years lead also serves as a deputy designated safeguarding lead, giving the nursery team a direct safeguarding responsibility.

For food, the school’s catering service uses Edwards and Ward, with dinners prepared on site. Parents can submit a special-diet form for children with food allergies or other dietary requirements. That provides a practical route for communicating food needs.

Attending Blakeley Bears does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. Nursery attendance does not confer priority: the admission criteria cover catchment, siblings, qualifying exceptional circumstances and distance.

Shared early years leadership is useful continuity in the educational provision. It should be considered separately from the application decision, so families can choose the nursery for their child’s experience there rather than an assumed entitlement to stay.

Full-time attendance is possible for three- and four-year-olds, although requested sessions can require paid top-ups. The nursery offers 15 funded hours weekly from the term following a child’s third birthday until compulsory school age, defined here as the start of the term after their fifth birthday. Eligible parents can receive another 15 hours, bringing the weekly total to 30. Contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 01902 893400 or email office@blakeleyheath.staffs.sch.uk. Families can also arrange a tour with the headteacher or early years lead at a mutually suitable time. The nursery advises joining its waiting list because places fill quickly.