Dodworth St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy Nursery

Play, conversation and stories shape the nursery experience at Dodworth St John’s. Children have their own nursery classroom, with an outdoor learning area shared with Reception. That gives the provision a distinct indoor base and a practical connection to the next stage of school.

Many children start just after their third birthday, with entry points in April, September and January. Nursery learning sits within Whinmoor Class, where planning uses several cycles to accommodate mixed ages. This is nursery provision within a Church of England primary academy on Barnsley Road in Dodworth.

Children’s own choices alternate with teaching led by adults. Small groups have teaching each day, while longer periods of play let children investigate their interests and develop ideas. Half-term themes provide a starting point, with books used to extend the learning. The timetable changes as children’s needs develop.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early number and literacy, creative work, physical development, understanding the world, communication and social development. Here, speaking and listening receive deliberate attention. Adults introduce vocabulary through stories and play, giving children opportunities to explain their thinking and communicate with others.

Read Write Inc is the school’s phonics programme. Nursery work concentrates on Phase 1: listening closely to sounds and preparing to combine or separate sounds orally. Launchpad for Literacy supports both taught activities and independent exploration. Mathematics starts with songs, games and handling objects, including sorting and comparing quantities. These are practical beginnings rather than abstract exercises.

Indoor and outdoor learning receive equal emphasis. Activities include making an animal’s hibernation shelter or constructing a channel for boats. Books are also accessible for children to choose independently, linking stories with their play.

Curriculum development. Ofsted’s inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023 judged early years provision Requires improvement. At that point, parts of early years learning lacked clear definition, and checks on how well the different learning areas were taught needed greater precision. Families should weigh the play-based approach alongside that dated concern about curriculum planning and oversight.

In November 2023, early years children developed trusting connections with adults and received help to follow routines independently; children needing extra learning support were identified promptly. These findings matter for children learning to manage a school session and for families concerned about development.

Parents can follow learning through Class Dojo. A learning journey wall brings together photographs, observations and children’s work, with opportunities for families to add comments and contributions. This gives parents a role in sharing what their child can do beyond the classroom.

The school’s support structure includes a SENDCo, Learning Mentor and Parent Support Advisor. SEND plans are developed with families through an Assess, Plan, Do, Review process, with review meetings at least three times a year. School facilities include accessible toilets and changing facilities, and ramps provide access around the building. Families can contact the SEND team at send@dodworthstjohn.enhanceacad.org.uk to discuss additional needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority and meet the deadline for their child’s admission round. For Barnsley residents, the application route is www.barnsley.gov.uk/schooladmissions.

Sharing outdoor space provides familiarity with part of the Reception environment. Transition arrangements also include class transition days, with additional time agreed with parents where needed. Familiarity and preparation are useful, but they do not replace the Reception application.

Families can choose morning or afternoon sessions, or a 30-hour place if eligible. Nursery and primary applications are handled by the BMBC Admissions Team. Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01226 286514 or at dsj-office@dodworthstjohn.enhanceacad.org.uk.

Nursery uniform includes a white polo top, grey bottoms and a red cardigan or jumper, with black footwear. Summer options include shorts or a red-and-white checked dress. Clothing and shoes should carry the child’s name to help misplaced items return home.