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Nursery at Sandhill Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories lead into painting, animal facts and music at Sandhill’s nursery, with time to choose activities indoors and outside. This is a nursery day shaped by books and play. Children enter the early years provision in the term after their third birthday, within the school’s Early Years Unit.
The staffing structure includes a combined Nursery and Reception class, supported by a teacher and a teaching assistant. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 to 8 March 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Choosing time alternates with short sessions on the carpet. Children use indoor and outdoor provision during their session, then come together for activities including mathematics, stories, phonics and a welcome song. A nursery rhyme is practised daily. The rhythm combines opportunities to pursue an interest with shared teaching and singing.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum follows the EYFS Framework 2023. In parent terms, the approach emphasises exploring through play and developing children’s thinking. Half-termly text drivers give teaching a theme, with direct teaching supported by opportunities to practise and build on learning.
Giraffes Can’t Dance provides one Spring 2 example: children explore wild animals, paint animal pictures and compare Africa with the UK. Instruments and dance extend the theme beyond the story. Linked books include Dear Zoo and Handa’s Surprise, giving children further ways to explore animals and places through stories.
Books also travel home. A basket in the nursery cloakroom holds extra stories for families to borrow and return after reading. This gives parents a concrete way to continue story time together. In March 2024, early years children used talking partners to develop ideas before speaking to the class, connecting conversation with participation in learning.
Snack brings the class together on the carpet once each day. A baseline assessment takes place within a child’s first three weeks at nursery, giving staff an initial picture of their learning. In March 2024, early years children followed established routines and were learning to cooperate and share through play.
For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), parents start with the class teacher; the SENCO can join the discussion. Support can include small-group work and a School Focused Plan, with targets reviewed and discussed with parents. The school building has wide corridors and a single-level layout, while classroom visual timetables and Makaton, used where appropriate, provide practical support for access and communication.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer preferential treatment. Families must make a separate application through Barnsley School Admissions, using the normal application route and deadline. The local authority decides allocations, so choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
Preparation for a new class is a different matter. Children take part in a transition period, with extra adjustment time and earlier introductions to adults and the environment for those with more complex needs. Support Plans pass to the next teacher, and a transition book can be made where it would help a child understand the change.
Morning and afternoon nursery sessions are offered; the afternoon runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. These session choices matter when arranging care around the nursery day.
For enquiries, call the school office on 01226 106031. Office staff can arrange a visit and a conversation with staff, giving families an opportunity to discuss their child’s needs before starting.
Children enter the early years provision in the term following their third birthday.
They choose activities indoors and outside, alongside short carpet sessions for stories, phonics, mathematics and singing. The class also gathers for snack.
No. It gives neither an automatic place nor preferential treatment. Families apply separately through Barnsley School Admissions.
Speak to the class teacher first. The SENCO may join the meeting, and support targets can be discussed with parents.
Contact the school office on 01226 106031. Office staff can organise a convenient visit.
