Wilthorpe Primary School Nursery

A shared Foundation Stage gives Wilthorpe’s nursery its character: Nursery and Reception children belong to the same provision, with classes called FSCW and FSSH. The nursery has 26 places, offering morning or afternoon attendance for 15 hours a week. A limited number of 30-hour funded places adds another option for eligible families.

Reading links the classroom and home. Foundation Stage children take home book bags containing a reading book, sounds and a log book, and bring them back daily. An adult reads with each child at least once a week; changes to the home reading book follow the phonics learning in class. This gives families something concrete to practise together, rather than leaving home learning separate from the nursery routine.

Parents are encouraged to read frequently with their child and add comments about how reading is going at home. The log book makes that exchange part of an ordinary day. It gives adults at home a role in the learning, too.

The Early Years framework covers seven broad areas, divided into 17 areas for assessment as children progress. In parent terms, staff follow development across several areas rather than judging learning through reading alone. Tuesday is PE day for the combined Foundation Stage classes, with black bottoms and a white top required. Earrings must come out before the lesson, either at home that morning or before PE begins.

Settling can include a parent staying briefly with a younger child in class. That offers some flexibility at the start of the day. Nursery children must be brought in by a known adult and collected directly from staff by a known adult; they cannot leave independently. Plan the handover as part of the session, rather than treating collection as a child making their own way out.

For additional needs, the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator can be reached through the office. Barnsley’s Local Offer provides information about services, education and activities, while SENDIASS gives parents information and support about SEND. These are useful contacts when a family needs help understanding the support around their child.

Medication has specific conditions. Staff can administer only medicine prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist, with a permission form signed by someone holding parental responsibility. Original packaging and a visible prescription label are required. Medicine needed for eight days or longer must form part of a health care plan, making advance coordination with the office important.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through the local authority’s Synergy Parent Portal for Online Admissions. Admission decisions belong to the local authority, so being familiar with the Foundation Stage is separate from securing a school place. Keep the Reception application as a distinct task alongside nursery attendance.

The morning session runs from 8.30am to 11.30am. Morning and afternoon places follow the 15-hour weekly model. Families may divide those funded hours between childcare providers, but Wilthorpe asks for attendance on regular days. That matters when coordinating two settings.

Apply for a nursery place through Barnsley Council. For general enquiries, telephone the school on 01226 288676. The school car parks are reserved for staff and official visitors, so families should plan drop-off and collection around that restriction.