St Matthew's CofE Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Communication has named support here: Launch Pad for Literacy and WellComm are used in the early years, giving children who need additional help specific routes into language and learning. The nursery belongs to St Matthew's CofE Primary School and Nursery on Ivy House Road in Bradford, within a Church of England school.

The school aims to build enjoyment of reading and learning, with hope, respect and courage as its values. We hold no published inspection grade for it.

For children with SEND, nursery assessment uses the Developmental Journal to follow communication, physical development, thinking, and personal, social and emotional development. That gives staff a way to consider several aspects of a child's development together.

Language support includes WellComm and Launch Pad for Literacy in the early years. These sit within the school's additional provision for communication needs, rather than describing a timetable for every nursery child. Support can take place in small groups with teachers or learning support assistants, allowing teaching to focus on an identified need.

Outdoor provision is part of the nursery environment. Children from the school's Blue Star Hub also have access to that space in the afternoon.

Parents have a defined part in arranging additional support. Staff discuss concerns with families and combine those conversations with observations before deciding whether classroom adaptations or extra provision are needed. Where SEN support is agreed, the class teacher and SENDCo prepare a My Support Plan. Parents receive a copy each term and review it with the teacher, keeping the next steps open to discussion.

Children's views count too. Where a child cannot express those views directly, staff use observations to understand their interests and strengths. This matters for nursery children whose communication is still developing.

Support follows the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle: identify the need, arrange help, put it into practice and reconsider it. With parental permission, a more detailed assessment may involve speech and language therapists, educational psychologists or the school nurse. The school also has a changing bed for children with disabilities, a concrete care facility alongside its learning support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application using the local authority common application form through Bradford Council by 15 January 2027. Treat that application as a distinct step, even if your child already attends nursery.

Transition support and admission are separate matters. For children with SEND who need it, additional transition may be arranged, and transition booklets can go home to help children prepare. Teachers also discuss children with their previous teacher or the SENDCo, helping information about individual needs travel with the child.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office at office@stm.bdat-academies.org or telephone 01274 731693. Families seeking advice about additional needs can contact the SENDCo at sendco@stm.bdat-academies.org. These provide separate routes for general enquiries and a discussion about a child's support.