Orchard Primary Academy Nursery Review

Library books and early language learning give Orchard’s nursery a clear educational thread. Provision starts with Pre-School for two-year-olds, followed by Nursery for three-year-olds, within Orchard Primary Academy on Princess Road in Chickenley, Dewsbury. Early years has its own building, giving these younger children a distinct base within the school.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 15 and 16 June 2022. This judgement covers early years within the academy. Vocabulary development was a strength: children were using newly learned words to explain their learning, making communication a useful focus for parents considering the nursery.

Books are a concrete part of nursery life. Nursery children have a library slot described as bi-weekly, with opportunities to borrow books and hear stories. That gives families something to share at home as well as a reason for children to choose reading material themselves.

Read Write Inc is the phonics programme used in early years. Children initially encounter books about environmental sounds; blending materials follow once they learn the first set of sounds. The progression connects listening with the beginnings of reading. In June 2022, phonics started in Nursery, although some sessions across the school moved too slowly and occasional differences in staff methods interrupted reading fluency. Completing staff training was an improvement priority.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with care. Its foundations include movement, communication and learning to manage feelings and relationships, alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative work and understanding the world. Play, adult demonstrations and guided activities are part of that framework. These are the broader developmental purposes behind early learning, rather than a timetable of formal subjects.

Staff organise the start. For two-year-olds, parents attend settling visits alongside their child. For three-year-olds, staff arrange a home visit with children and parents before issuing a written starting date. Both routes give families contact with staff before attendance begins. School lunches carry a separate charge; contact the academy for current charges.

Additional needs are discussed with a senior leader when a child joins the nursery, with SENDCo involvement where necessary. The early years area is fully accessible. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher or book a SENDCo conversation through the office, giving them a practical route into support.

Early years SEND support follows assess, plan, do and review: identify the need, agree support, put it into practice and check its effect. Parents are informed when their child receives special educational provision. For emotional development, possible early years interventions include Lego therapy and a PSED Regulation group, so support can be matched to a child’s needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must submit a separate application through Kirklees’ online primary admissions process by the normal closing date. For entry in 2027-2028, nursery attendance confers no priority: the priorities concern care status, siblings and residence within or outside the academy’s priority admission area.

Preparation for a new classroom is separate from allocation of a place. When children change classes within the academy, Transition Days introduce their next teacher and classroom, and staff pass on details of existing support. A child with an EHCP or a particular need also completes a transition booklet to become familiar with the new setting.

Morning Pre-School and Nursery sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am. Afternoon Nursery runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Two-year-old Pre-School currently offers mornings only, so that pattern needs to fit the family’s day.

Qualifying families can receive 15 funded hours each week for a two-year-old. For three-year-olds, 15 hours begin in January, April or September following their third birthday; 30-hour places are available to working parents meeting the government criteria. The application offers morning, afternoon and 30-hour choices, as well as funded and paid places.

Enquire or arrange a visit through the office on 01924 469578 or office@orchard.spacademies.org. Nursery applications can be completed using the application form or collected from the office. A small parking area opposite the Chickenley Lane side entrance and roadside spaces on Princess Road provide options; keep driveways and yellow zigzag markings clear.