Field Lane Primary School Nursery

Play, conversation and learning to persevere give Field Lane’s early years provision its character. The nursery forms part of Field Lane Primary School on Burnsall Road in Rastrick, within an early years provision serving children aged 3 to 5. Its classrooms connect learning indoors with opportunities outside, giving children different spaces in which to explore their interests.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 17 and 18 October 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children’s choices help shape the learning. Free-flow provision combines activities children initiate with experiences supported by adults, while teaching responds to their interests and needs. Activities designed to prompt curiosity give children a starting point for exploration rather than making every experience an adult-directed task.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum covers seven areas of learning and development. In practice, children learn through a mixture of group teaching, activities led by adults and play they choose themselves. Staff observe their learning and assess progress, connecting what children do with the next steps in their development.

Indoor classrooms and outdoor provision both form part of that experience. Children can explore in either environment, with play creating opportunities to communicate and build relationships. The emphasis is on learning through participation.

In October 2023, children in early years showed concentration and persistence when learning. Speech and vocabulary received close attention, and children enjoyed expressing their views. These are useful foundations for joining activities, explaining an idea and continuing when a task becomes challenging.

Relationships with parents begin before children start, through induction and communication. This gives families a role in the move into the setting and helps connect home with the child’s early experiences of school.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school involves parents in early discussions about strengths, difficulties and the support needed. Where appropriate, an Individual Education Plan brings together specific targets. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, so arrangements can be reconsidered as a child’s needs develop.

Adaptations include visual timetables, sensory resources and extra processing time. The school also works with the Early Years Support team and speech and language therapy services. Ramped access and a ground-floor adapted toilet are concrete features for families considering physical access and toileting needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route: an online application to Calderdale Council. Treat that application as a separate step when planning your child’s next stage.

For children with SEND, transition support includes sharing agreed information with the next setting and meetings involving parents and school staff. External agencies may join these discussions, with more detailed arrangements shaped around the child and family. This support concerns continuity of care and learning; it does not secure admission.

Contact the school office on 01484 713792 or email admin@fieldlane.polarismat.org.uk for enquiries. School tours can be booked through the office throughout the year, providing an opportunity to meet staff.

Children in Foundation Stage must be collected by a known adult. Families identify authorised collectors at the start of each year and should tell the school when someone else will collect. If another adult requests collection, parents are contacted before the child is released.