St Philip's CofE Primary School Nursery

In June 2023, play dough provided an introduction to computing here: children followed a sequence of instructions and explored how to direct programmable toys. Practical learning gives St Philip's early years its character. The nursery is part of the Church of England primary school on Whitby Terrace in Girlington and caters for children aged 3 to 5 within the Foundation Stage.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with developing independence. In June 2023, early years activities at St Philip's included making play dough and growing seeds. Music also forms part of the nursery provision. These give children concrete things to discuss, investigate and try for themselves.

In June 2023, Ofsted found that children in early years worked independently, maintained their concentration and responded extremely well to established routines. Adults developed learning through conversation, stories and singing. Planting seeds gave children a way to observe growth, while directing programmable toys introduced the idea that instructions produce an action.

The June 2023 inspection also required more consistent curriculum implementation across the school so pupils remembered the intended learning. This was a school-wide concern, rather than a nursery-specific finding.

Number work has a tangible starting point. Numicon is used from Nursery, giving children practical equipment for exploring mathematics. Read Write Inc. is the phonics approach used within EYFS, linking the early years provision to a named programme for learning about sounds and reading.

Music has both exploratory and organised elements. Nursery children can try instruments and sing familiar rhymes during their activities; small group sessions use Kapow. That gives them opportunities to experiment as well as take part in an adult-led session. Early years activities also include Forest School Fridays, bringing an outdoor element to the learning programme.

A nursery early years practitioner and a nursery cover supervisor form part of the staffing structure. Families can send a message directly to nursery teaching staff through a dedicated contact form, providing a specific route for communication about their child.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school combines teacher involvement with SENDCO coordination. Parents are contacted early when concerns arise, and the SENDCO plans support with families and teachers. Support can include individual work or small groups, while the school aims to keep children involved in classroom learning wherever possible. Parents can arrange a meeting through the office.

The school's Blue Room provides a quiet place for reflection, relaxation and yoga. Its approach to food encourages children to choose between healthy options, aiming to build positive eating habits rather than simply presenting a meal.

A separate application matters. Attending this nursery gives no priority for Reception and does not guarantee a place. Families must apply again through Bradford Council and meet the deadline specified on the application form. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to be a decision about the nursery experience itself, with the Reception application treated as a separate step.

Nursery children wear PE kit each day: a white or pale blue top, navy tracksuit clothing and trainers or pumps for outdoor games. Generic clothing and second hand items are acceptable, and logos are optional. Label clothing and provide a book bag or rucksack for books and homework.

To register interest in a nursery place for a child aged 3 to 4, families can complete the nursery enquiry form. General enquiries can also go to the school office on 01274 546496 or office@stphilips.bdat-academies.org. The school aims to provide at least 3 terms of nursery before children start Reception.