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The Old Station Nursery - Walsall

Ofsted: Good
(Aug 2024)
·
3.8(11 parent reviews)
·2 Birchfield Way, Yew Tree Estate, Walsall, WS5 4LG · Sandwell
Number of places
50 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Aug 2024
Local authority
Sandwell

About this day nursery

Apricot Day Nursery, situated in St Neots, is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment that supports children's cognitive, social, and physical development, while boosting their confidence and independence as they prepare for school. The nursery emphasises a Montessori approach, where children learn through play and a variety of activities tailored to their individual interests.

The team works closely with families to meet each child's specific needs, fostering capable learners and communicators. The nursery operates across two sites, with a dedicated pre-school just a short walk away for when children are ready for the next stage of their learning journey.

The "Next Stop School" programme helps children develop essential skills for primary school, and parents are supported with resources and updates. With well-equipped rooms, natural resources, and free-flowing access to age-appropriate outdoor play areas, children are encouraged to explore and develop their skills daily, regardless of the weather.

The nursery offers flexible benefits, including not charging for food, enhancements, or consumables, and provides fully funded and part-funded sessions for eligible families. A key person system ensures close communication between parents and staff, and healthy meals are prepared on-site.

The nursery follows the Brighter Learning Approach, an advanced take on the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, focusing on hands-on experiences and child-led learning, supported by various extra-curricular clubs and activities.

Our ethos

Our smaller size enables us to work closely with children and families to form a partnership which allows us to meet their individual needs and develop capable learners and communicators. At our St Neots children’s day nursery, we follow the Montessori approach in a home-from-home environment. The children in our care learn through play, and the passionate team at our nursery offer children a variety of activities and learning opportunities every day related to their individual interests, ensuring no two days are ever the same.

What it's like

Staff are caring and provide comfort to children. They develop good relationships with children, who are happy to attend and learn to make friends and work cooperatively. Children are well prepared for their move to school, becoming independent and gaining a sense of responsibility.

Montessori approachOutdoor learningNutritious meals prepared on-siteNext Stop School programmeBrighter Learning Approach

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am - 6.30pm, 51 weeks a year. Full day: 8am to 6pm, Early start: 7:30am to 8am, Late finish: 6pm to 6:30pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Old Station Nursery - Walsall

Last inspected 2 August 2024

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Staff are caring and provide comfort to children. They develop good relationships with children, who are happy to attend and learn to make friends and work cooperatively. Children are well prepared for their move to school, becoming independent and gaining a sense of responsibility.

Inspector highlights

  • The curriculum is well embedded across the nursery. Children are keen to engage in the opportunities on offer.
  • Children develop their mathematical skills. Staff integrate counting opportunities into daily routines.
  • Staff implement consistent routines. Children wash their hands before eating and know when it is time for lunch.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported.
  • Leaders have a good oversight of the nursery. They regularly review the experiences offered to children.
  • Staff have opportunities to develop their own knowledge and skills.

Areas to develop

  • 1help staff to differentiate their teaching during activities with children of varied ages and abilities
  • 2support staff to enhance the organisation of activities so that children are able to join others who are already engaged
  • 3support staff to implement care practices that consider children's personal space at mealtimes.
Inspection #10360753 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents are complimentary about the care their children receive.

They comment that staff are friendly and on the reassurance they receive when children are settling in.

They have regular conversations with staff and receive information about their children's development.

In addition, they say they feel listened to and are given ideas on how to support children's learning further at home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Staff assess children's development regularly, identifying any gaps quickly. Staff responsible for liaising with external agencies ensure children receive the support needed and implement strategies suggested by other professionals for coordinated support.

Outdoor space

Staff provide dedicated space outdoors for children to grow their own potatoes, which they then later use in the meals they eat. Children transport materials outdoors and enthusiastically move water from one container to another.

Parent Reviews of The Old Station Nursery - Walsall

3.8
(11)
Mya Kelis
11 months ago

I’m writing this review as a deeply concerned parent to warn others about our experience with The Old Station Nursery. I made the difficult decision to remove my son from this nursery due to serious concerns regarding his care and wellbeing — concerns that no parent should ever have to face. From the beginning, there were red flags. My son would often come home hungry, despite meals supposedly being provided. On several occasions, I picked him up with a full, unchanged nappy, which is both unhygienic and unacceptable. These issues were not one-off incidents — they were consistent and deeply worrying signs that his basic needs were not being met. Despite raising these concerns, the response from the nursery was disappointing and dismissive. I ultimately made the decision to withdraw my child for his health, safety, and wellbeing — a decision I stand by 100%. Since then, the nursery has attempted to enforce an unjust payment of over £1,000, even though my child was withdrawn due to neglectful care. It feels like they are trying to scam me into paying for a service that failed to meet the most basic standards of childcare. I have had no such issues with other nurseries my son has attended — this experience was entirely unique in its severity. I urge any parent considering this nursery to be extremely cautious. No child deserves to be neglected, and no parent should be financially punished for protecting their child. Please think twice before trusting The Old Station Nursery with your child’s care. I’m currently seeking legal advice from this as I am shocked to how much money they think they should be getting baiting in mind I’m a student and I paid everything from university but because I chose to take my son out they said I have to re pay and this is just not acceptable his been to two nursery’s before this never had no issue not even one payment to remove him I’m a young mother trying to extort me because I took my son out from the nursery is shameful

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J Val
9 months ago

During my recent visit at the nursery I was able to watch the preschool children graduate. The team made extra efforts to ensure the day was perfect for parents and the children. A wonderful afternoon was had by all.

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gemma spalding
a year ago

Keep you updated with child's progress and daily activities. My son loves nursery and has bloomed ever since he started. Staff are approachable and really kind to the kids. Would definitely recommend!

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Obi-1
2 years ago

Staff are not as professional as you would hope around the children. Lots of unnecessary stress causes the the child as a result of a poor vetting system. It seems they hire just about anyone to look after your kid. I can’t say I would recommend. The admin team are also very persistent with parents over issues that don’t even relate to them. Slug trails on the carpets (every where) not the best for hygiene. Advantages: on site dinner lady so always have fresh delicious food,

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Jo Wright
a year ago

This nursery is a wonderful place for children. I love the way they set up the activities each morning and afternoon. Nicest thing is the atmosphere and staff, they are really warm and happy.

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Reviews from Google for The Old Station Nursery - Walsall. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: March 2007

  • September 2024Good
  • August 2024Good
  • November 2022Good
  • September 2022Good
  • November 2016Good
  • October 2016Good
  • June 2013Good
  • April 2013Good
  • January 2011Good
  • December 2010Good
  • March 2007Good

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