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Nursery at Poplars Farm Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Children’s questions help set the direction at Poplars Farm’s nursery. The Reggio Emilia approach gives their interests a practical role in planning: adults discuss ideas with children, then build those interests into activities and the learning environment. Independence is an explicit aim.
This is Poplars Farm Primary School’s own nursery in Bradford, taking children from age three. It occupies a purpose-built nursery building. Within the early years spaces, lamps, natural materials and simple decoration accompany displays of children’s photographs, comments and independent work. These details give children’s thinking a visible place in the room.
Two three-hour sessions shape the day: mornings run from 08:30 to 11:30, with afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15. Within those sessions, the Early Years Foundation Stage brings learning, development and growing independence together. Children’s interests guide the planning, while adults use questions as starting points for exploration.
Reggio Emilia is the named approach behind this. Staff take an interest or idea and carry it across daily tasks and the environment, giving children opportunities to pursue a question through different activities. The early years collaboration work also includes loose part play, where children consider one another’s ideas and work towards something together.
Learning leaves a record. Each child has a learning profile; adults photograph activities and capture conversations, using iPads for observations. Interactive whiteboards and iPads also feature in teaching. This connects the activities children choose with adults’ checks on their development.
A past project gives the curriculum a concrete example. During the 2024-25 Voiceless and Vulnerable project, nursery children explored turtles affected by ocean pollution, linked to the Turtle Hospital in Florida. That brought an environmental question into the youngest children’s learning.
Ofsted’s September 2023 findings identified language development and assessment as strengths in early years. Children joined in readily alongside their peers, while adults extended their vocabulary and knowledge and checked their learning.
Settling was a strength in September 2023: adults helped children become comfortable quickly, and clear early years routines supported their choices. The staffing list for 2025-26 identifies a nursery teacher and nursery learning assistants, alongside an early years higher-level teaching assistant whose responsibilities include Forest School leadership.
For families discussing additional needs, the school SEND coordinator can be contacted through the office. The school works with Chatterbug and the NHS speech and language team, giving parents named services to discuss when communication is a concern. Zones of Regulation is used across the school to help children recognise feelings and practise ways of managing them.
Food has separate practical arrangements. Nursery school meals carry a charge. COOL MILK provides school milk, with free milk available to children under five or those eligible for free school meals; parents register with the provider. In July 2026, nursery children also shared their learning with parents at the Festival of Learning, offering a concrete example of family involvement.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The school’s admissions page directs families to Bradford Council’s school admissions service. Keep that application separate from the nursery form handed to the school office.
Nursery applications use the Nursery Admissions Application Form, brought to the office with the child’s passport or birth certificate. The school also links families to an eligibility check for 30 hours of funded childcare for three-year-olds.
For 2026-27, breakfast club admits nursery children only once they are four or older, starting daily at 07:45 and including breakfast. The after-school club serves Reception upwards. This age distinction matters when arranging childcare around a nursery session.
Uniform combines a navy polo shirt with a jade green jumper or cardigan and grey or navy bottoms. Logo-free clothing in school colours is permitted. Children need wellingtons and a suitable waterproof coat, but no PE kit. Drop-off is at the nursery gate with the class teacher. Contact the office on 01274 307490 or office@poplarsfarm.bradford.sch.uk for enquiries or to arrange a visit.
Children attend the nursery from age three.
The morning session runs from 08:30 to 11:30; the afternoon runs from 12:15 to 15:15.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
For 2026-27, nursery children aged four or older can attend the daily breakfast club from 07:45 until school starts. Breakfast is included.
Yes. Nursery uniform includes a navy polo shirt, jade green jumper or cardigan, and grey or navy bottoms. School logos are optional, and nursery children do not need a PE kit.
