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Nursery at Shaw Cross Infant and Nursery School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Balance bikes, scissors and shared books give Shaw Cross nursery its character: early learning through movement, conversation and practical activity. The nursery belongs to Shaw Cross Infant and Nursery School on Leeds Road in Dewsbury. Children can begin in the term following their third birthday, subject to a place being available.
The early years judgement in Ofsted’s May 2026 inspection was Expected standard. Children learned successfully across the early years curriculum, with teaching helping them understand what they were learning. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Three-hour morning or afternoon sessions provide the shorter attendance patterns. Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), learning includes language, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships. For parents, that means conversation and play have a purpose alongside the first steps towards reading, writing and mathematics.
Books are read aloud regularly, introducing vocabulary and helping children recognise rhyme. Adults extend language through conversation and help children join play with others. Balance bikes develop coordination across larger movements; using scissors exercises finer hand control. These are concrete ways of building skills children need for later learning.
Emotional learning also has a named programme: myHappymind. Its early years resources include character toys and picture books. The nursery curriculum map includes Meet the Brain, Celebrate and Appreciate, alongside work on feelings, getting along and resolving disagreements. Learning to take part with others is part of the day’s work.
Settling is supported by relationships with both children and parents. In May 2026, nursery staff established reassuring connections with newcomers, and parents responded positively to their children’s experience. The January 2026 starter arrangements included home visits and drop-in sessions.
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive support to participate in early years learning. Extra stay-and-play opportunities help them become familiar with staff and routines. Parents with concerns about development can arrange a discussion with the class teacher or key worker, who involves the special educational needs coordinator where appropriate.
Physical access deserves attention too. The school building has one storey, accessible entrances and a separate accessible toilet for children. These features matter for families considering mobility and personal care needs. For communication about myHappymind, parents receive a newsletter after each module and can use its parent app to explore the learning at home.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admission priority. The nursery admission policy makes that distinction explicit. Families must make a separate school application: Kirklees residents apply online through Kirklees Pupil Admissions, while families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority.
Shaw Cross reminds nursery parents to apply, but responsibility for meeting the deadline remains with parents and carers. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions, and submit the school application by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Families can choose five morning sessions or five afternoon sessions. The additional-hours option covers 16 to 30 hours, with full days running from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
The universal funded offer is 15 hours from the term after a child turns three. Eligible working families may apply for up to 30 funded hours, subject to the policy’s eligibility conditions and available places. Breakfast Club and After School Club provide chargeable extensions; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go to office@shawcrossinfants.co.uk or 01924 325319. Return the application to the school office with a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Parents can apply after their child’s second birthday, using a form from the school office or website. If nursery is full, families can specifically request a waiting-list place, with vacancies allocated under the admission criteria. Visits can be arranged by telephone or by calling in to make an appointment.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. September, January and Easter intakes depend on places being available.
Mornings are 8.30am to 11.30am and afternoons are 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The additional-hours option includes full days from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception admission priority and does not guarantee a place. A separate school application is required.
Staff build relationships with children and parents. Extra stay-and-play visits support children with SEND in becoming familiar with adults and routines; the January 2026 starter arrangements also included home visits and drop-in sessions.
Contact the school office on 01924 325319 or office@shawcrossinfants.co.uk. Nursery applications go directly to the school, with a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Telephone or call in to arrange a visit appointment.
