A nursery school founded by the Cadbury family has been reflecting on its rich 100-plus year history in an article in the current edition of Carl Chinn’s Brummagem Magazine. The article was sparked by staff at Selly Oak Nursery School finding a treasure-trove of archive material in the nursery loft.

The nursery opened its doors in 1904 with support from Mrs Barrow Cadbury and moved to its current site in Tiverton road, Selly Oak, in 1921. Writing in the magazine Rachel Snape explains how it was the city’s first permanent nursery school and how records reveal poor pupils suffering from rickets, bronchitis and whooping cough had their health improved through the nursery’s regular meals and outdoor ethos.

The article, entitled ‘Selly Oak Nursery School – Living the Cadbury Vision’, explains how from the very start “the children benefited from a various curriculum with an emphasis on the outdoors.” Edwardian parents paid 6d for each child to cover milk rations and there were regular visits from a nurse to check on the children’s health.

This look back at the nursery school’s past comes at a time when there is still doubt as to its long-term future. In June staff and parents met with Councillor Les Lawrence to outline their concerns.

The school plans to use the archive as part of a history week with current children and hope to create a permanent exhibition. The current issue of Brummagem Magazine is available at newsagents.