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Nursery at Elmfield School for Deaf Children
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
English and British Sign Language shape nursery life at Elmfield. Its sign bilingual approach gives children access to learning through either language, making communication a central part of the provision's character. Deaf identity matters here too: learning BSL is connected with communicating with other deaf children and adults.
The nursery belongs to Elmfield's early years and primary provision on Sheridan Road in Horfield, Bristol. A building opened there in September 2023 to accommodate those children. Its design takes deaf children's acoustic needs into account, so the physical environment and the language approach work towards the same purpose: access to learning.
Cornerstones provides the curriculum structure, with learning organised around concepts and a sequence beginning in Nursery. Children work towards the Early Learning Goals, including developing the communication skills used in play and preparing to learn to read. Elmfield's language programmes include developing communication through play. Alongside that structure sits The Elmfield Approach, which gives English and BSL equal respect. For a child whose preferred communication is signing, language access is part of the teaching model.
Communication also develops through play. Teachers of the Deaf and Speech and Language Therapists deliver language programmes, with support taking place individually, in pairs or in small groups. This gives children different ways to practise communication according to their needs, rather than relying solely on whole-class teaching.
Ofsted's May 2023 inspection identified visual phonics beginning in Nursery for children starting their language-learning journey. That places early reading preparation within the nursery experience. Classrooms also have technology intended to help pupils access their learning spaces.
Families can extend shared language activities at home. Elmfield's Deaf Rhymes resources include chicks, butterflies and five little rockets, with a rocket role-play resource alongside them. These give parents concrete material for joining in with their child's communication and play.
Specialist support combines language development with attention to hearing equipment. Children are encouraged to use and care for hearing aids or cochlear implants, and Elmfield works with audiology services on amplification. The parent support videos cover cleaning hearing aids, changing ear-mould tubing and dealing with whistling. These are practical tasks families can learn together.
An assistant head role combines responsibility for early years with SEND coordination and deputy safeguarding duties. Families can contact the early years and primary SENCO through the school office, providing a direct route for discussing additional needs.
Safeguarding communication includes home circumstances that may upset or worry a child. Parents are asked to share these with staff; concerns about children's safety or wellbeing go to the safeguarding team. A dedicated safeguarding email also provides a contact during holidays.
Attending Elmfield's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate: families must apply again through the normal process and meet the applicable deadline.
The Elmfield Approach describes continuity of specialist deaf education and relationships across the school. That educational continuity should be considered separately from the decision about a Reception place.
Visits can be booked with Elmfield, giving families an opportunity to discuss its sign bilingual approach. The school office telephone number is 0117 9030 366; the early years site is on Sheridan Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0PU.
Uniform is optional for nursery-aged children. Families who choose it can obtain school tops through Unicorn Uniforms, while the uniform guidance also permits tops without a school logo.
Elmfield follows a sign bilingual approach, giving English and British Sign Language equal respect and providing education through either language.
Cornerstones begins in Nursery, alongside learning guided by the Early Learning Goals. The Elmfield Approach provides the school's language and communication philosophy.
Teachers of the Deaf and Speech and Language Therapists deliver language programmes. These include communication through play and individual, paired or small-group work.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal process and meet the applicable deadline.
No. Nursery-aged children may wear school uniform, but it is optional.
