Fieldhead Primary Academy Nursery Review

Attention to each child's development gives Fieldhead's nursery its clearest character. In October 2023, the early years curriculum was ambitious, and staff accurately recognised children's developmental needs and adjusted their response. That matters for families seeking learning that takes account of the child, rather than treating everyone as ready for the same next step.

The nursery forms part of Fieldhead Primary Academy in Birstall, on Charlotte Close. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 24 and 25 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection.

The October 2023 findings connect curriculum ambition with attention to individual development: staff understood what children needed and responded accordingly. For parents, the useful emphasis is on both learning and the support a child needs to take part.

Technology has clear boundaries. Children in early years use devices under supervision, and staff cannot use personal devices to photograph them. This makes adult oversight part of any digital activity. Staff also learn to recognise signs of distress or harm that children may communicate through behaviour rather than words, an important consideration for children who cannot yet explain a worry.

Partnership with parents was a strength of early years in October 2023. Staff established those relationships from the beginning, giving families a role in understanding their child's development.

Care routines include specific safeguards. A paediatric first aider must be in the room while children eat. Intimate care must protect children's privacy and dignity. These arrangements concern ordinary moments of the nursery day, as well as emergencies.

A designated safeguarding lead or deputy is available throughout EYFS provision. Staff must raise concerns immediately and record them using CPOMS or a paper form. The sequence matters: recording a concern accompanies direct contact with the safeguarding team.

Children with disabilities, medical conditions or special educational needs have additional pastoral and communication support. Work with parents and other professionals forms part of that support, so a child's needs can be considered across care and learning. Concerns are discussed with families where appropriate, with exceptions where doing so could increase risk to the child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing a nursery and securing a school place as two separate decisions.

Fieldhead Primary Academy's address is Charlotte Close, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9BX, and its telephone number is 01924473016. Families can obtain a copy of the safeguarding and child protection policy from the school office. This gives parents access to the procedures governing welfare concerns and the responsibilities of the safeguarding team.