Bradway Pre-School

A keyworker from the start, parents welcome to stay through settling, and a conversation about progress after six weeks: Bradway Pre-School gives families concrete points of contact as children take their first steps towards independence. This Sheffield setting accepts children aged 2 to 4 and has 26 places in total.

At its September 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective, while identifying uneven delivery of outdoor teaching as the area needing attention. That gives parents a clear balance: a positive overall judgement, with a specific aspect of the day to explore on a visit.

Morning, afternoon and full-day attendance are offered during term time. The practical attraction is the choice between shorter sessions and a day ending at 3pm, rather than a single attendance pattern for every family.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. In parent terms, this connects play with learning to communicate, socialise, move and understand the world; it is the foundation of the provision rather than an additional programme.

In September 2023, children could choose their own play alongside experiences guided by adults. A vegetable activity shows how several strands of learning worked together: children handled potatoes, discussed where vegetables grow and connected radishes with Peter Rabbit. Staff introduced descriptive vocabulary and demonstrated letter sounds. Familiar objects gave children something concrete to talk about, rather than treating language as an isolated exercise.

During the same month, carpet gatherings combined songs, movements and counting the people present. Matching counting words to real people made number work tangible. These routines also introduced experiences children would recognise when moving on to school, linking preparation with the ordinary nursery day.

Outdoor and Community Life

In September 2023, an indoor balance beam and small trampoline gave children opportunities to practise movement inside. Yoga and visits from a company delivering early football activities added other ways to work on coordination and balance. The physical provision therefore extended beyond outdoor play alone.

The limitation was consistency outside. In September 2023, the planned outdoor curriculum did not translate evenly into teaching for every child, and closer monitoring of practice was the improvement required. Equipment and activities tell only part of the story here: how adults support learning outdoors matters just as much.

Relationships and Communication

Each child is allocated a keyworker who works with the family on individual interests and needs. That person also helps with settling and can be contacted about concerns. Parents are welcome to remain while their child adjusts, including when settling takes several weeks, so the transition can proceed at the child's pace.

After six weeks, families are invited to discuss their child's records with the keyworker. This creates an early opportunity to move beyond a quick conversation and look at how the child is getting on. Parents can also telephone or call in for reassurance during settling.

In September 2023, individual parent meetings gave families time to discuss learning and ways to support it at home. Monthly coffee mornings and sports week provided further contact with the setting and other parents. Those are dated examples of parent involvement, rather than a promise about today's events calendar.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

A SENCO role forms part of the team structure, and the setting has a SEN policy alongside safeguarding policies. Bradway is also a member of the Early Years Alliance and follows its guidelines. For a family whose child needs additional support, the useful starting point is a defined role and an individual relationship with the keyworker.

In September 2023, staff knew the local procedures for responding to welfare concerns and allegations, and recruitment included suitability checks. Mealtime risk assessments addressed children with allergies. These are details of practice at that point in time; the current safeguarding policies provide a separate basis for discussing arrangements now.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is The Annexe, Bradway Road, Sheffield, S17 4QS. Opening hours are 8.30am to 3pm on weekdays, with attendance during term time.

The morning session runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. A full day is 9am to 3pm, with an earlier 8.30am start also offered. There is a lunch session from 11.30am to 12.30pm. These distinctions matter when matching childcare to work or other commitments: the morning session begins earlier than the standard full day, and the lunch session has its own window.

An application form is provided, and enquiries can be made through the contact form, by email at info@bradwaypreschool.co.uk or on 0114 3272380. Fees are collected at the start of each half term. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation.

Funding and Paid Extras

Funded attendance is offered through the 15 hours Nursery Grant and Working Parent Entitlement, including a 30-hour offer capped at five places for children in the year before school. The Nursery Grant starts in the term after a child's third birthday and covers 38 weeks annually; funded attendance operates during term time, between 9am and 3pm.

For the 30-hour offer, children already attending have allocation priority over newcomers, and a waiting list is used when those places are filled. This is a booking rule, not a statement about present availability. Paid attendance sits alongside the funded arrangements, and the earlier full-day start carries a separate charge.

Families supply a packed lunch for afternoon and full-day attendance, including those using funded hours, while milk is free. Food therefore has a mixed arrangement: lunch comes from home and milk carries no additional charge.

Moving on to School

Bradway Pre-School identifies Bradway Primary School as a destination for many children and has transition arrangements with local schools. These links concern preparation for the next stage. Attendance does not guarantee a school place; families still need to follow the relevant school admissions process.

• Outdoor teaching. Consistency outside was the improvement required in September 2023. On a visit, ask how staff now plan outdoor learning and monitor what children experience.
• Funded hours and start times. Funding operates from 9am to 3pm, while mornings begin at 8.30am and full days can start earlier. Discuss the fit between the chosen session and funded attendance before booking.
• Settling and communication. Parents can stay while children adjust, followed by a keyworker discussion after six weeks. Ask how that settling arrangement would work for your child and your own schedule.
• Lunch and everyday supplies. Afternoon and full-day children bring lunch, and milk is free. What non-food consumables should families supply or pay for?

Bradway suits families looking for term-time morning sessions, afternoon attendance or full days that finish at 3pm. The keyworker arrangement, flexible settling period and six-week discussion give the care model useful substance. School transition work adds another practical strand for children approaching Reception.

The Good judgement from September 2023 is balanced by a clear improvement point around outdoor teaching. For parents, the strongest decision will combine the attendance pattern that fits family life with a close look at how outdoor learning now works.