Westmoor Primary School Nursery Review

Learning outdoors in wet weather gives Westmoor’s early years provision a practical character. Its nursery belongs to Westmoor Primary School on Church Lane in Dewsbury Moor, with learning shaped by communication, language and literacy. These priorities connect everyday experiences with children’s ability to explain what they notice and express what they need.

For families, the appeal is the combination of learning through practical experiences and becoming familiar with school life. Past EYFS topic plans describe growing flowers, fruit and vegetables in the garden area.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides the curriculum, alongside the revised 2023 Development Matters framework. Communication is a central curriculum priority: children’s growing ability to understand language and express themselves supports their learning across activities. In April and May 2024, Ofsted found that reading, writing and mathematics were taught effectively from early years.

Past EYFS topic plans illustrate how this becomes practical learning. Sunshine and Sunflowers included planting vegetables, flowers and fruit in the garden, observing seasonal changes and learning to care for living things. Outdoor learning also included sun safety. Children therefore had opportunities to connect looking after plants with looking after themselves. The early years approach includes outdoor learning in rainy weather too, with spare clothes kept on children’s pegs.

Creative experiences have extended beyond the classroom. Nursery children took part in the Bell Tower Workshop, making bells after a workshop involving several senses. Their creations were displayed at Dewsbury Minster, giving their artwork a connection to a local place.

Settling begins with an open session for nursery children before they start. Parents can meet the team and raise questions while children become familiar with their surroundings. A home visit follows, allowing introductions in a familiar place and providing space for private conversations. Further introductory visits are encouraged for children with SEND.

Tapestry holds children’s early years learning journals, while the Ping app carries the school newsletter. These give families ways to follow learning and school information beyond conversations with staff.

Support for additional needs follows an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle. The school distinguishes SEN Support, My Support Plans and Education Health and Care Plans, matching planning to different levels of need. Its SENCO provides a contact point for families, and partnerships with speech and language therapists support communication difficulties. Parents can email senco@westmoorprimaryschool.co.uk to discuss their child’s needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Kirklees Local Authority and follow the normal admissions deadline. The school follows Kirklees admission arrangements; treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Familiarity can still help with the move. Transition activities have included hearing a story with the next teacher, exploring the next classroom and making something with the new class. These experiences support children’s adjustment to a change of class. They do not secure admission.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office, which can be reached on 01924 485982 or office@westmoorprimaryschool.co.uk. A nursery application form is provided through the admissions page.

Prospective parents are welcome to visit. Contact the office beforehand so that someone can meet you. For everyday preparation, the early years guidance asks families to provide spare clothing for outdoor learning, giving children something dry to change into after wet or messy activities.