Queens Road Academy Nursery Review

Taking turns, finding words for feelings and asking questions give Queens Road Academy’s nursery its own starting point. The Queens Road Journey sets these expectations for the early years, connecting learning with the everyday business of sharing toys and cooperating with other children. Small steps matter here.

This is the school’s own nursery on Queens Road in Barnsley. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, subject to space. Morning and afternoon sessions offer two distinct patterns, so families need to consider which fits their routine rather than assume a full school day.

Language gives the learning a concrete focus. At the June 2022 inspection, early years teaching developed children’s vocabulary skilfully; nursery children could explain the sequence of an activity using words for its beginning, middle and end. That is a useful foundation for explaining what they are doing, rather than simply completing a task.

Planning covered the seven learning areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with topic knowledge organisers identifying the learning for each half term. For parents, this means activities had an intended learning purpose across the early years curriculum. Indoor and outdoor spaces both supported that work, giving children opportunities to learn in different environments.

Alongside this curriculum, The Queens Road Journey gives social development specific goals. Its early years expectations include recognising and managing basic emotions, learning to cooperate and exploring through questions. Sharing toys and practising turn-taking connect those goals to play with other children.

In June 2022, the early years team worked effectively together. For children needing additional help, the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review: families and staff consider needs, agree support and revisit its effect. The class teacher remains responsible for putting that support into practice, with help from the SEND team.

Parents can raise an initial concern with their child’s teacher and arrange a discussion with the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo). SEND review meetings take place at least three times a year, giving families repeated opportunities to discuss targets and next steps. Across the school, wheelchair access, disabled toilets and changing facilities provide practical support for children with physical or care needs.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For Barnsley residents, the online route is www.barnsley.gov.uk/schooladmissions; the closing date for primary applications for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027. Keep that application separate from accepting a nursery place.

Transition support is a different matter. Children take part in class transition days, and extra time can be agreed with parents where needed. Possible arrangements include meeting the next teacher, visits to the new setting and discussions between staff. These support familiarity and continuity, rather than changing admission entitlement.

The morning session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; the afternoon runs from noon to 3:00pm. A preference for either session does not ensure that allocation. Families can discuss their needs with the nursery teacher and EYFS leader before organising other childcare around it.

Contact the school office on 01226 737010 or at queensroad@hcacademytrust.education for nursery enquiries. School tours can be arranged with the headteacher, offering an opportunity to discuss the provision directly.