Northfield

Northfield, located in the southwest of Birmingham, has a rich industrial and cultural history.

Northfield district covers the wards of Allens Cross, Frankley Great Park, Kings Norton North, Kings Norton South, Longbridge & West Heath, Northfield, Rubery & Rednal, and part of Weoley & Selly Oak.

Northfield is part of the BEYN South Cluster of districts.

Northfield Facts

Did you know…

The district was famous for the now demolished MG Rover Group car-making factory, currently the site of a new retail and housing development.

The Reverend W.V. Awdry, writer of Thomas the Tank Engine books, was a curate at Kings Norton Church for six years.

In the 19th Century, Northfield was known for its nail-making industry.

About

How it works

Each district has a Steering Group made up of representatives from across the Early Years sector and childcare provision in the district.

They seek to improve outcomes for children through termly district activity based on analysis of district data, sharing professional knowledge, working in partnership with other projects and districts.

 

Who’s who

District Leads: David Aldworth, Shenley Fields & Allen’s Croft Nursery Schools and Sam Richards, Gracelands & Jakeman Nursery Schools

Early Education Advisors: Giselle Nelson (Lead), Laura Pemberton, Gemma Sweeney

Early Years Consultant: Zaida Nembhard

Area SENCo: Rose Boulton

District Representative on EY Forum: Lesley Harris

  • Email info@birminghamearlyyearsnetworks.org to contact your District Leads, Early Education Advisors or other Steering Group members

 
 

All about Northfield

We’ve created a District Profile for Northfield which highlights key statistics, education outcomes, and more.

Download for free now, and sign up to our mailing list to be kept up to date.

Download District Profile
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Training and workshops

Upcoming Northfield Events & CPD
WellComm Data Collection for PVI Settings
Mar 16
WellComm Data Collection for PVI Settings

This session will demonstrate how to use the WellComm data spreadsheet to collate screening data and prepare for sharing your WellComm screens on the EEE portal

Alternative morning session available on Wed 11 March.

WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2025/26 (Evening Session)
Mar 19
WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2025/26 (Evening Session)

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

This free online workshop will support you on your journey towards success at your next Ofsted inspection.

Level: Intermediate

WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [Mar]
Mar 20
WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [Mar]

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

WellComm Part 1: This free online workshop will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Level: Introductory

South Cluster Spring Network Meeting: Positive Transitions
Mar 24
South Cluster Spring Network Meeting: Positive Transitions

Join us for an interactive, discussion‑based session focused on how we can support positive transitions for young children across Birmingham.

WORKSHOP: Transition (Morning Session)
Apr 14
WORKSHOP: Transition (Morning Session)

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

This free online workshop will explore how to prepare children and their families for a successful transition.

Level: Introductory

Project and Partners Information Sharing Session - Summer Term
Apr 15
Project and Partners Information Sharing Session - Summer Term

Join our online session for early years professionals: connect with key partners, explore the latest resources, sector support, and offers.

WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Childcare Settings
Apr 17
WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Childcare Settings

This in-person workshop will support Early Years and Childcare professionals in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across their practice.

Level: Introductory

BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Afternoon Session
Apr 20
BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Afternoon Session

A briefing session to support early years practitioners in setting clear and effective SMART targets for Birmingham’s Children in Care. 

Afternoon Session: 3:00-4:00 PM

WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [Apr]
Apr 20
WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [Apr]

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

WellComm Part 1: This free online workshop will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Level: Introductory

CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering a Career as a Childminder? (Morning Session)
Apr 21
CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering a Career as a Childminder? (Morning Session)

Thinking of becoming a childminder? This briefing is intended for individuals in Birmingham who are considering starting a childminding business.

Level: Introductory

CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering Starting a Childcare Business? (Morning Session)
Apr 22
CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering Starting a Childcare Business? (Morning Session)

Thinking of starting a childcare business? If you are considering opening a group-based childcare business in Birmingham (such as a Day Nursery or Preschool), this workshop is for you!

Level: Introductory

BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Lunchtime Session
Apr 22
BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Lunchtime Session

A briefing session to support early years practitioners in setting clear and effective SMART targets for Birmingham’s Children in Care. 

Lunchtime Session: 12:00-1:00 PM

BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Evening Session
Apr 23
BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Evening Session

A briefing session to support early years practitioners in setting clear and effective SMART targets for Birmingham’s Children in Care. 

Evening Session: 6:00-7:00 PM

BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Morning Session
Apr 24
BRIEFING: Target Setting for Early Years Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Morning Session

A briefing session to support early years practitioners in setting clear and effective SMART targets for Birmingham’s Children in Care. 

Morning Session: 10:00-11:00 AM

Ramp Play with Young Minds Big Maths
Apr 29
Ramp Play with Young Minds Big Maths

Exclusively for Birmingham Early Years Practitioners - Join us to explore the Ramp Play booklet and deepen your understanding of the maths hidden in everyday play.

Limited places - first come, first served

WORKSHOP: Transition (Evening Session)
May 11
WORKSHOP: Transition (Evening Session)

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

This free online workshop will explore how to prepare children and their families for a successful transition.

Level: Introductory

WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2025/26 (Morning Session)
May 12
WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2025/26 (Morning Session)

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

This free online workshop will support you on your journey towards success at your next Ofsted inspection.

Level: Intermediate

WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [May]
May 13
WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [May]

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

WellComm Part 1: This free online workshop will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Level: Introductory

WORKSHOP: Assessment and Moderation in the EYFS (Evening Session)
Jun 1
WORKSHOP: Assessment and Moderation in the EYFS (Evening Session)

Birmingham's Early Years and Childcare Service will guide you through the areas of assessment within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework

Level: Introductory

Transition to Reception 2026 - Northfield District
Jun 2
Transition to Reception 2026 - Northfield District

An opportunity to discuss transition for every child moving to a Reception class in September 2026.

Location: Shenley Court Hall, B29 4ED

WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [Jun]
Jun 16
WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [Jun]

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

WellComm Part 1: This free online workshop will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Level: Introductory

CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering a Career as a Childminder? (Afternoon Session)
Jun 18
CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering a Career as a Childminder? (Afternoon Session)

Thinking of becoming a childminder? This briefing is intended for individuals in Birmingham who are considering starting a childminding business.

Level: Introductory

CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering Starting a Childcare Business? (Afternoon Session)
Jun 19
CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering Starting a Childcare Business? (Afternoon Session)

Thinking of starting a childcare business? If you are considering opening a group-based childcare business in Birmingham (such as a Day Nursery or Preschool), this workshop is for you!

Level: Introductory

WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Childcare Settings
Jul 8
WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Childcare Settings

This in-person workshop will support Early Years and Childcare professionals in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across their practice.

Level: Introductory

WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [Jul]
Jul 10
WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [Jul]

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

WellComm Part 1: This free online workshop will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Level: Introductory

WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2025/26 (Afternoon Session)
Jul 28
WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2025/26 (Afternoon Session)

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

This free online workshop will support you on your journey towards success at your next Ofsted inspection.

Level: Intermediate

WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [5 Aug]
Aug 5
WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [5 Aug]

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

WellComm Part 1: This free online workshop will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Level: Introductory

CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering a Career as a Childminder? (Evening Session)
Aug 10
CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering a Career as a Childminder? (Evening Session)

Thinking of becoming a childminder? This briefing is intended for individuals in Birmingham who are considering starting a childminding business.

Level: Introductory

CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering Starting a Childcare Business? (Evening Session)
Aug 11
CHILDCARE BRIEFING: Considering Starting a Childcare Business? (Evening Session)

Thinking of starting a childcare business? If you are considering opening a group-based childcare business in Birmingham (such as a Day Nursery or Preschool), this workshop is for you!

Level: Introductory

WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [20 Aug]
Aug 20
WORKSHOP: WellComm Part 1 - Introduction to WellComm [20 Aug]

NEW WORKSHOP DATES for 2025/26

WellComm Part 1: This free online workshop will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Level: Introductory

 
 

Follow Northfield’s Birmingham Forward Steps Children’s Centres

To learn more about health and wellbeing services for children aged 0-5 in your district, connect with the Birmingham Forward Steps Children’s Centre via their Facebook page.

Northfield’s Birmingham Forward Steps Children’s Centres are Northfield Children’s Centre at Wychall and Northfield Children’s Centre at Frankley, led by Barnado’s.