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Nursery at Smawthorne Henry Moore Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sand, construction and early sound work give this nursery its character: play and the first steps towards reading sit together. Smawthorne Henry Moore Academy has both Nursery and Preschool provision within its early years department, with Preschool welcoming children from two years old. The distinction matters for families choosing a starting point for their child.
The academy aims to develop independence, resilience and responsibility through play. Its approach puts children's interests alongside planned learning, making room for questions, cooperation and problem-solving rather than treating preparation for school as desk work alone.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning. In parent terms, the approach brings early reading, writing and number skills together with making friends and understanding feelings. Topics connect those experiences, while staff adjust their planning to children's interests and needs.
Inside, children have spaces for water and sand play, building, miniature-world play and music, alongside areas for writing and maths. These give children different ways to explore an idea: handling materials, constructing something or trying to record their thinking. Learning also extends outdoors. Maths uses practical exploration across the classroom and outdoor area, with children investigating measures, shapes and numbers through planned activities and play.
Nursery has a daily phonics lesson, and the academy uses Read, Write Inc phonics. The focus is on recognising and distinguishing sounds, as well as learning to write them. This gives early literacy a regular place within the play-based approach. Preschool and Nursery maths combines planned play provision with focused activities, so number learning has both exploratory and directed elements.
Getting to know the setting starts before a child joins. At each term's end, incoming Preschool and Nursery families have a meeting where they can ask questions and visit with their child. The early years leader supports these meetings, giving parents a chance to discuss the change together rather than leaving all their questions until the first session.
Tapestry lets parents follow their child's learning and achievements through updates and alerts. Floor Books record the group's experiences, while Stay and Play, Inspire days, workshops and reading sessions create opportunities for parents to take part. An open-door approach also welcomes family contributions to children's learning records.
For children aged between two and three in Preschool, a written progress check covers communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. It identifies strengths and areas needing attention and is shared with parents. That provides a specific point for discussing development together.
At school level, ISS Education supplies cooked lunches. Choices include vegetables, main dishes and desserts, with fruit or organic yoghurt among the options. The meal service also includes drinking water and a salad bar.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route and timetable. Wakefield Council's School Admissions Team coordinates full-time school admissions; the academy handles its own part-time Preschool and Nursery admissions. Treat these as separate decisions.
Preparation for the change has its own place. At the end of the academic year, families of children moving into Reception have a meeting to learn about the next setting and ask questions. This supports transition; it does not secure admission.
The nursery provision is part-time, with admissions administered by the academy. For enquiries, contact the school office on 01977 558395. Appointments to view the school can also be arranged through the office, providing a practical first step for families considering the setting.
School communications use an app, and families can request paper copies of letters from the office. This gives parents another way to keep track of information alongside the individual learning updates in Tapestry.
No. Reception requires a separate application, with full-time school admissions coordinated by Wakefield Council's School Admissions Team.
Yes. Preschool welcomes children from two years old and is separate from the academy's Nursery provision.
Children explore early writing, reading and number skills alongside friendships and feelings. Provision includes construction, water, sand, music and miniature-world play.
Parents can access Tapestry for individual learning updates. Stay and Play, workshops, Inspire days and reading sessions also give families opportunities to participate.
Incoming Preschool and Nursery families can visit with their child during new-parent meetings. The school office also arranges appointments to view the school.
