Athersley North Primary School Nursery

Three session patterns give this nursery a clear practical shape: mornings, afternoons and a longer day for children accessing 30 hours provision. Athersley North Primary School’s nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds, with 26 full-time equivalent places. That capacity describes the provision, rather than the number of children attending any one session.

The nursery class sits within the school’s EYFS unit alongside a Reception class. In May 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The school aims to develop children’s communication, thinking, physical skills and emotional development, with language given deliberate attention. For parents, the emphasis is on building the skills children need to take part in learning, alongside what they know.

Read Write Inc. adds a named approach to early literacy, with daily sessions for Foundation Stage children. Classroom book areas give children access to familiar stories and texts connected with their learning. Books therefore have a place beyond the phonics session.

The May 2026 early years findings give a concrete example of learning through play: children manipulated play dough while exploring words for stretching and twisting. Finger control and vocabulary were developed together. Physical development also has a planned sequence, helping teachers assess how children’s skills are progressing.

There is an important qualification. Although children generally made progress from their starting points, some activities did not precisely match the intended learning or address gaps in children’s skills and knowledge. Activity choices. Early years provision, including outdoor learning, needs closer matching to children’s learning needs and gaps. Families should weigh that improvement priority alongside the planned curriculum.

Settling begins before the first session. Foundation Stage staff make home visits before children start and involve outside agencies when necessary. In May 2026, early years staff had positive relationships with families and used information from previous providers to help children settle safely.

Practical care has its own facilities: Foundation Stage has nappy changing provision and a washing machine. These support children whose personal care needs continue alongside their learning.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities, staff monitor development, involve parents and review support through a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. The May 2026 findings confirmed appropriate early years support, including referrals for additional help with speech and language when needed. Parents have a part in deciding and reviewing that help.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions.

For children with SEND, support for changing classes can include passing information to the new teacher, a planning meeting and a transition booklet where useful. This prepares children for change; it does not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:20pm to 3:20pm. Children accessing 30 hours provision attend from 8:30am to 3:20pm. The longer pattern gives those families one continuous attendance window.

Enquiries go through the school office on 01226 288674 or office@athersleynorthprimary.co.uk. Prospective families can arrange a discussion with senior leaders and a school visit, giving them an opportunity to discuss their child’s needs before joining.