The Ellis Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

A book chosen together in the school library, outdoor activity on the Early Years Field and a choice of morning, afternoon or longer sessions give The Ellis nursery its practical character. This is Foundation Stage 1 (FS1), the nursery provision within the Church of England primary school in Hemingfield, Barnsley. Children can start in the term following their third birthday.

The school describes its education as distinctively Christian. For families, that makes the religious character part of the choice from the nursery years onwards.

Early reading, making marks and developing movement skills are concrete parts of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here. Parent workshops have focused on reading and early mark making, connecting children's learning with things families can support at home. Foundation Stage physical activities include gymnastics and dance, alongside games, athletics and basic movement skills. The day therefore includes learning through physical activity as well as early literacy.

Outdoor space includes the Early Years Field. In November 2025, nursery children were included in a sponsored walk there, with families invited to join them. A road safety session planned for November 2025 was to combine colouring, videos and discussion about roads and playing outside: a practical example of learning linked to children's everyday lives.

Books also connect nursery and home. Library sessions introduced in September 2025 gave nursery families a fortnightly Thursday opportunity to select a book together and borrow it. The main school library supplies a physical space for that shared choice, with books suited to the children's age.

Settling starts before the first nursery session. A home visit is arranged during the preceding term, followed by a nursery visit to help children become familiar with the setting. That gives families contact with the team before attendance begins.

Children staying through lunchtime can have a school meal or bring food from home. The Pantry provides school lunches, which parents order in advance. This makes lunch a choice to organise alongside the child's session pattern.

For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the class teacher is the first contact, with the SEND coordinator joining discussions where helpful. Across the school, School Support Plans set individual targets and families are invited to discuss them each term. The school building is on one level, although adjustments and suitability are considered according to individual needs. These arrangements give parents a route for discussing both learning and access.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application, and attendance gives no priority under the admission criteria for 2027–2028. Familiarity with the school should therefore be kept separate from the allocation of a place.

For September 2027 entry, applications go online through Barnsley Council, with a deadline of 15 January 2027. A Supplementary Information Form supports the application where applicable; it does not replace the application itself.

For children with SEND moving between classes, staff share information through transition meetings. Classroom visits take place in July, with extra visits where needed. That supports preparation for new surroundings and routines rather than changing admission rights.

The morning session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The 30-hour pattern is 8:45am to 2:45pm, while a full day finishes at 3:30pm after the same morning start. These different finishing times matter when arranging collection.

The nursery offers 15 funded hours, with 30 hours for eligible families. Taking full days throughout the week requires an additional 3.75 self-funded hours. Alternatively, families can take an afternoon off to stay within the funded pattern; the choice of afternoon is flexible. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery meals are charged unless the child qualifies for free school meals.

Full-time availability. Full-time places are typically in high demand, so families should request that pattern when applying. Sessions can fill as the year progresses, delaying a start until space becomes available.

To register interest or arrange a visit, call 01226 753383 or email office@ellis.dsat.education. Include the child's date of birth, name and address, a contact number and the preferred hours.