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Nursery at Chellow Heights Special School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Individual learning targets shape the early years experience at Chellow Heights. This is specialist provision for young children with cognition and learning needs, with entry starting from age 2. Children may also have autism or additional medical, physical, sensory or emotional needs. The nursery sits within the school’s Early Years department, rather than operating as a separate childcare setting.
Chellow Heights has sites in Heaton and Low Moor in Bradford. Ofsted rated its early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Learning starts with the individual child. In June 2023, the early years curriculum was tailored to targets in each child’s education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Teachers adjusted early learning goals for this specialist setting. For parents, the practical distinction is that learning connects to their child’s identified needs: the goals guide what staff work towards.
Number learning and language have distinct classroom spaces. In June 2023, areas for numeracy encouraged children to use numbers, while bright literacy spaces supported language development. Resources and classroom organisation supported learning in different spaces, giving children more than one setting for their work. Most staff used language that supported children’s development during interactions. Adult conversation therefore formed part of learning alongside the classroom resources.
In June 2023, children in early years received good care, with enough adults available to support them. This matters in provision where learning needs may sit alongside medical or physical needs: adult support is part of the child’s experience as well as their teaching.
Preparation for starting includes contact with families once the local authority has named the school in the EHCP and sent the placement request. The school shares information with its nursing team and, where possible, arranges a joint meeting with the family. Care plans are prepared to support the child’s health and safety. This gives families a specific opportunity to explain care needs before their child starts.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Placement at Chellow Heights is controlled by Bradford’s local authority, through its SEND admissions process. Families should discuss the next placement with the Local Authority Special Education Needs Department; a nursery place should not be treated as an automatic promise about Reception.
Requests go through a SEND placement panel, and the local authority makes the final decision about naming the school. The school cannot accept placement requests directly from parents or carers. Keep that distinction clear when planning what happens after nursery.
The Early Years department usually admits children in September and January. Admissions during the year are made at the local authority’s request.
School tours take place at the West Site on Thorn Lane, Bradford BD9 6AL, starting at 3pm. Bookings allow a maximum of two parents. A tour provides an opportunity to discuss the specialist setting before a placement is arranged.
For general enquiries, contact chsoffice@chellowheightsschool.co.uk or call the West Site on 01274 484242. Placement enquiries follow the local authority route described above.
Chellow Heights has children on roll from age 2, and its Early Years department usually admits children in September and January.
In June 2023, children followed an individual curriculum linked to their EHC plan targets, with early learning goals adapted for the specialist setting.
After the placement request arrives, the school contacts families and shares information with its nursing team. Where possible, a joint meeting helps establish care needs and prepare care plans.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Bradford’s local authority controls placements, so families should discuss the next placement through its SEND admissions process.
Yes. Tours are held at the West Site at 3pm, with a maximum of two parents per booking.
