Dixons Manningham Academy Nursery

Daily language lessons and children's own lines of enquiry give this nursery its character: learning to talk, make choices and explore sits alongside directed teaching. The provision is for children aged 3 to 4 and belongs to Dixons Manningham Academy on Wood Street in Bradford. It is the school's own nursery, with a unit originally planned for 30 places.

Flexibility is part of the offer, including full day sessions. Families should discuss attendance arrangements with the school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to concentrate and communicate with growing independence and cooperation. Here, daily language lessons sit alongside adult conversations during children's chosen activities. Adults model vocabulary, explain ideas and extend an enquiry, so language learning continues beyond the directed lesson.

Stories provide another starting point. Children practise telling stories, absorb familiar texts and develop their own versions. The school aims to help children explain their thinking and make choices about their learning. That gives parents a clear picture of the intended balance: adult teaching alongside purposeful play, with conversation connecting the two.

Creative work involves concrete tools and materials. Nursery children experiment with paint, learn to apply PVA glue with a spreader and practise using scissors safely. Drawing progresses towards more detailed pictures, while small world equipment supports invented stories. These activities bring practical handling skills together with opportunities to describe what children are making.

Outdoor learning is planned into the Foundation Stage and children can use the outdoor environment each day. It forms part of the learning offer rather than an occasional addition.

Parents can arrange a conversation by telephone or in person with staff, and can raise concerns at drop-off or collection. Letters and news updates arrive through My Child At School (MCAS); the office helps families register. This gives parents both a direct conversation route and a channel for routine communication.

Additional support is based on a child's needs; a diagnosis is not required before provision can begin. The SENDCo and Pastoral Team support staff, with outside expertise sought where a child's needs exceed the team's existing knowledge. Families participate in referrals and can request meetings about provision.

Support for complex needs. Full time individual adult support is not provided. Children with highly complex needs who require an EHCP may receive additional help at particular points during the day and an adapted curriculum. Families should weigh that model against their child's care and learning needs. Intimate care plans cover children who need toileting support.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers admission priority. Families must make a separate application through their local authority's Common Application / Preference Form (CAF / CPF). For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Choosing the nursery therefore leaves a separate application to complete.

Transition support has its own purpose. Children starting Reception receive a home visit and a visit at their nursery, then attend a transition day to meet staff and explore the classroom. Parents have an induction meeting and booklet. These steps help families prepare for the change; they do not alter admission priority.

Nursery sessions include full days, and flexible places are offered. Enquiries go to info@dixonsmn.com or 01274 089 930.

Wraparound care. The school does not provide wraparound childcare. Families needing care beyond their nursery session should factor a separate arrangement into their plans.