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
Unlocking the Power of Stories: How to Tell Them Well with Neil Griffiths
Oct 21
Unlocking the Power of Stories: How to Tell Them Well with Neil Griffiths

Exclusively for Birmingham Early Years Educators - Join internationally renowned literacy expert and Storysack® creator Neil Griffiths for a masterclass in the art of storytelling.

Limited places - first come, first served

Read more →
BCC: WellComm Data Collection for Schools & Maintained Nursery Schools [Morning Session]
Oct 23
BCC: WellComm Data Collection for Schools & Maintained Nursery Schools [Morning Session]

This session will guide you through the WellComm data collection process, including how to use the WellComm data spreadsheet to accurately record and collate screening outcomes.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
BCC Briefing: Considering Starting a Childcare Business? [Morning Session]
Oct 27
BCC 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!

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
BCC WORKSHOP: Introduction to WellComm
Oct 27
BCC WORKSHOP: Introduction to WellComm

This free online training, run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service, will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Read more →
BCC WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2026/27 [Morning Session]
Oct 28
BCC WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2026/27 [Morning Session]

This interactive workshop is designed to support early years providers, schools and childminders to prepare confidently for Ofsted inspection under the renewed inspection framework.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
BCC WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Early Years
Nov 3
BCC WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Early Years

This in-person workshop will support early years and childcare professionals in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across their practice.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
Webinar Wednesday: WellComm Two-Year-Olds
Nov 4
Webinar Wednesday: WellComm Two-Year-Olds

Weekly online learning sessions; connecting Birmingham’s early years community around key themes, practical strategies and shared expertise.

Read more →
Webinar Wednesday: Early Years Essentials - Interaction Approaches
Nov 11
Webinar Wednesday: Early Years Essentials - Interaction Approaches

Weekly online learning sessions; connecting Birmingham’s early years community around key themes, practical strategies and shared expertise.

Read more →
South Cluster Autumn Network Meeting: Magic of Books (Hybrid)
Nov 12
South Cluster Autumn Network Meeting: Magic of Books (Hybrid)

Curriculum Conversations: The Importance of bringing stories to life and exploring simple tools that spark rich storytelling experiences.

Join us at Hall Green Library or dial-in online via MS Teams.

Read more →
BCC: WellComm Data Collection for Schools & Maintained Nursery Schools [Afternoon Session]
Nov 12
BCC: WellComm Data Collection for Schools & Maintained Nursery Schools [Afternoon Session]

This session will guide you through the WellComm data collection process, including how to use the WellComm data spreadsheet to accurately record and collate screening outcomes.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
Early Talk Boost @ Perry Barr Family Hub - November 2026
Nov 16
Early Talk Boost @ Perry Barr Family Hub - November 2026

Funded face-to-face Early Talk Boost training at Perry Barr Family Hub.

Places available: 20

Read more →
BCC WORKSHOP: Keeping Children Safe - Practical Risk Assessment
Nov 17
BCC WORKSHOP: Keeping Children Safe - Practical Risk Assessment

This interactive workshop will help early years and childcare providers confidently identify and manage risks while supporting children's safety, wellbeing, and learning.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
Webinar Wednesday: Language Learning - Reflecting on the Environment
Nov 18
Webinar Wednesday: Language Learning - Reflecting on the Environment

Weekly online learning sessions; connecting Birmingham’s early years community around key themes, practical strategies and shared expertise.

Read more →
BCC Briefing: Driving Progress in Early Years Through Powerful Targets [Afternoon Session]
Nov 19
BCC Briefing: Driving Progress in Early Years Through Powerful Targets [Afternoon Session]

A briefing to support practitioners in setting ambitious, clear and purposeful targets for all children, with a particular focus on Birmingham’s children in care. 

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service and Birmingham Virtual School.

Read more →
BCC WORKSHOP: Introduction to WellComm
Nov 20
BCC WORKSHOP: Introduction to WellComm

This free online training, run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service, will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Read more →
BCC Briefing: Driving Progress in Early Years Through Powerful Targets [Lunchtime Session]
Nov 20
BCC Briefing: Driving Progress in Early Years Through Powerful Targets [Lunchtime Session]

A briefing to support practitioners in setting ambitious, clear and purposeful targets for all children, with a particular focus on Birmingham’s children in care. 

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service and Birmingham Virtual School.

Read more →
Early Talk Boost @ Edgbaston Family Hub - November 2026
Nov 23
Early Talk Boost @ Edgbaston Family Hub - November 2026

Funded face-to-face Early Talk Boost training at Edgbaston Family Hub.

Places available: 14

Read more →
BCC Briefing: Driving Progress in Early Years Through Powerful Targets [Evening Session]
Nov 23
BCC Briefing: Driving Progress in Early Years Through Powerful Targets [Evening Session]

A briefing to support practitioners in setting ambitious, clear and purposeful targets for all children, with a particular focus on Birmingham’s children in care. 

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service and Birmingham Virtual School.

Read more →
Webinar Wednesday: Magic of Books - Sound Beginnings
Nov 25
Webinar Wednesday: Magic of Books - Sound Beginnings

Weekly online learning sessions; connecting Birmingham’s early years community around key themes, practical strategies and shared expertise.

Read more →
BCC Briefing: Driving Progress in Early Years Through Powerful Targets [Morning Session]
Nov 26
BCC Briefing: Driving Progress in Early Years Through Powerful Targets [Morning Session]

A briefing to support practitioners in setting ambitious, clear and purposeful targets for all children, with a particular focus on Birmingham’s children in care. 

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service and Birmingham Virtual School.

Read more →
BCC: DSL Autumn Meeting (Morning Session)
Dec 1
BCC: DSL Autumn Meeting (Morning Session)

Autumn Term DSL Network Session for DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads), managers, and owners.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Morning Session: 9:30-10:30 AM

Read more →
BCC: DSL Autumn Meeting (Evening Session)
Dec 2
BCC: DSL Autumn Meeting (Evening Session)

Autumn Term DSL Network Session for DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads), managers, and owners.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Evening Session: 6:00-7:00 PM

Read more →
BCC: DSL Autumn Meeting (Afternoon Session)
Dec 3
BCC: DSL Autumn Meeting (Afternoon Session)

Autumn Term DSL Network Session for DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads), managers, and owners.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Afternoon Session: 2:30-3:30 PM

Read more →
Early Talk Boost @ Edgbaston Family Hub - December 2026
Dec 7
Early Talk Boost @ Edgbaston Family Hub - December 2026

Funded face-to-face Early Talk Boost training at Edgbaston Family Hub.

Places available: 14

Read more →
BCC WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2026/27 [Evening Session]
Dec 7
BCC WORKSHOP: Aiming for a Successful Ofsted Inspection 2026/27 [Evening Session]

This interactive workshop is designed to support early years providers, schools and childminders to prepare confidently for Ofsted inspection under the renewed inspection framework.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
BCC: WellComm Data Collection for PVI Settings [Morning Session]
Dec 9
BCC: WellComm Data Collection for PVI Settings [Morning Session]

This online session will guide you through the WellComm data collection process, including how to use the WellComm data spreadsheet to accurately record and collate screening outcomes. 

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
BCC Briefing: Considering Starting a Childcare Business? [Evening Session]
Dec 9
BCC 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!

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
BCC: WellComm Data Collection for PVI Settings [Evening Session]
Dec 10
BCC: WellComm Data Collection for PVI Settings [Evening Session]

This online session will guide you through the WellComm data collection process, including how to use the WellComm data spreadsheet to accurately record and collate screening outcomes. 

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
BCC Briefing: Considering a Career as a Childminder? [Afternoon Session]
Dec 11
BCC 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.

Read more →
Early Talk Boost @ Perry Barr Family Hub - December 2026
Dec 14
Early Talk Boost @ Perry Barr Family Hub - December 2026

Funded face-to-face Early Talk Boost training at Perry Barr Family Hub.

Places available: 20

Read more →
BCC WORKSHOP: Introduction to WellComm
Dec 15
BCC WORKSHOP: Introduction to WellComm

This free online training, run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service, will enable practitioners to use the WellComm Toolkit within their setting.

Read more →
Early Talk Boost @ Perry Barr Family Hub - January 2027
Jan 11
Early Talk Boost @ Perry Barr Family Hub - January 2027

Funded face-to-face Early Talk Boost training at Perry Barr Family Hub.

Places available: 20

Read more →
Project & Partners Information Sharing Session - Spring Term 2027
Jan 13
Project & Partners Information Sharing Session - Spring Term 2027

An online session for early years professionals: learn about the latest BEYN projects and connect with key partners across Birmingham.

Read more →
BCC WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Early Years
Jan 14
BCC WORKSHOP: Diverse Beginnings - Enhancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Early Years

This in-person workshop will support early years and childcare professionals in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across their practice.

Run by Birmingham City Council (BCC) Early Years & Childcare Service.

Read more →
SAVE THE DATE: Spring EYC Surgery - South Cluster [In-Person]
Feb 2
SAVE THE DATE: Spring EYC Surgery - South Cluster [In-Person]

South Cluster Spring EYC Surgery: Save the date

Venue and time TBC

Read more →
 
 

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.