Manorfield Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Water play with guttering, daily conversation and time outdoors give Manorfield's nursery its character. This is the school's own provision for children aged two, three and four, on Manor Way in Batley. There are term-time, part-time early education places for eight two-year-olds and 104 three- and four-year-olds, alongside a small number of full-time places for families receiving 30 hours' funding.

The early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 13 and 14 May 2025. That judgement covers the school's early years, including its provision for two-year-olds.

Play shapes the learning. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), using Birth to 5 Matters guidance alongside children's interests and themes drawn from celebrations and the seasons. In everyday terms, children learn through activities they choose, play supported by adults and some direct teaching. Conversation, relationships and outdoor exploration are the nursery's main priorities.

Each child's key person leads a daily group activity. Talking, reading and playing together help children build vocabulary for making friends, expressing feelings and asking for what they need. Outdoor time happens daily, in different weather conditions, giving physical activity a regular place in the session rather than treating it as an occasional extra.

In May 2025, children explored inside and in outdoor areas equipped with learning resources. They persisted with practical challenges, including positioning guttering to carry their water play further. Adults introduced vocabulary during interactions and encouraged children to contribute to conversations. Putting coats on and clearing away equipment also became opportunities to practise independence. These are small tasks with a useful purpose: children take a more active role in managing their day.

A key person takes responsibility for each child's care and records their learning journey. That gives care and learning a shared point of contact. The team includes a part-time nursery teacher and nursery officers, within an early years team led by an EYFS lead.

Settling starts before the nursery place begins. Children and their families receive a visit at the beginning of the preceding term. Links with the co-located Children's Centre also support a pre-nursery group, with nursery staff spending time alongside families and opportunities for parents and children to visit the nursery. Familiarity can build before the first session.

Healthy snacks and learning about toothbrushing formed part of early years personal development in May 2025. Families can discuss SEND questions with the SENDCo through the school office. The nursery also supports access to the Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENDIF) for three- and four-year-olds with emerging or lower-level needs who use their free early entitlement. Half-termly year group updates reach parents through parenthub, providing another regular link with school.

Attending Manorfield's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Kirklees' online admissions route, within the deadline for their child's entry year. The school office offers appointments to help with the application process.

Preparation for the change is a separate matter. During the term before transfer, nursery children make regular Reception visits, and parents have meetings about the move to full-time education. The introduction builds from an hour-long visit to a morning, then lunchtime and finally a whole day. This gives children experience of the longer routine in stages; it does not secure admission.

The usual 15-hour pattern is five mornings or five afternoons each week. Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30am. For the 15-hour afternoon pattern, sessions run from 12:30 to 3:30pm; the afternoon session for children receiving 30 hours' funding runs from 12:15 to 3:15pm. Match the collection time to the arrangement offered.

Flexible attendance. A small number of places allow full days or a combination of mornings and afternoons. Families needing that pattern should discuss availability with the Business Support Team.

Places from age two may be paid daycare or supported by local authority funding for disadvantaged families. Most children start the universal 15-hour provision in the term after their third birthday. Ask the school for current charges for paid provision.

To register, collect a form from the school office and return it with your child's birth certificate. The school contacts families when a space becomes available. For enquiries, call 01924 326 718.