Cavendish Primary School Nursery

Play, communication and growing independence shape the nursery at Cavendish Primary School in Eccleshill, Bradford. This is the school’s own provision, with a nursery teacher and access to the school’s SEND coordinator. The emphasis is on the foundations children need before tackling wider learning.

Communication, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development take priority. Cavendish follows the statutory Early Years Framework (2025), which guides learning and development in the nursery. In parent language, the emphasis falls on how children communicate, manage feelings, relate to others and develop physically. These are the starting points for wider learning.

Play and activities with scope for children to explore support that approach. Cavendish aims to develop children’s independence alongside their ability to work with others, so learning is about participation as well as knowledge. Assessment helps staff decide what to teach next and which skills need another look.

Personal development also has its own place. Each class has weekly Cavendish Curriculum sessions, with themes including Being a Good Friend and Looking After My Body and Mind. The school adapts this provision to children’s developmental stages and additional needs. For families, that connects learning with everyday relationships, emotions and looking after themselves.

Settling starts before the first session. Children joining nursery are invited to meet their future classmates through pre-visits, and staff make home visits. A family tour introduces key staff. Where a child needs more preparation, extra visits or a photo book can help make the new setting more familiar.

Developmental concerns have a defined route. Unless a particular learning or physical difficulty has already been identified, staff monitor progress towards early learning goals through the first nursery term. In the second term, the nursery teacher and SEND coordinator discuss concerns, agree targets and inform parents. The Bradford Early Years Support Grid helps staff judge whether additional support may be needed.

Support is tailored to the child, with individual provision plans reviewed each term. Families can raise concerns with the class teacher or SEND coordinator, rather than waiting for a scheduled meeting. Children on the SEND register have at least three reviews a year. The school can also seek advice from specialists, including the Early Years Team and speech and language services, giving staff routes to further help when a child’s needs require it.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery applications are handled by the school; Reception requires a separate online application through Bradford Council. Families must apply again through that route by the normal deadline.

Class changes are prepared for separately from admissions. Preparation can include time with the next teacher, opportunities to become familiar with the new classroom, or photographs and information to discuss at home. Staff pass assessments and information to the next teacher before the summer term ends. That supports continuity in a child’s care and learning; it does not secure admission.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01274 772 175 or email office@cavendishprimaryacademy.co.uk. Cavendish is on Hall Road, Bradford, BD2 2DU. The school processes nursery applications directly, making the office the starting point for joining the provision.