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Nursery at Armthorpe Shaw Wood 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Bikes, a reading corner and plenty of conversation give Caterpillar, the nursery class at Armthorpe Shaw Wood Academy, its character. Children begin from age three at this primary school on Mere Lane in Armthorpe, Doncaster. The emphasis is on learning through play, with adults helping children extend their language and try things for themselves.
Play has both freedom and direction. Children investigate indoors and outdoors, choosing activities alongside tasks organised by adults. Themes connect learning to key texts, while staff build on children's interests and existing knowledge. Adults ask questions, introduce vocabulary and help children make connections, so an activity can become a conversation as well as a chance to practise a skill.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven connected areas. For parents, that means attention to movement, relationships and communication alongside early mathematics, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. Planned activities include physical challenges and opportunities to think together. Staff check children's learning to shape what comes next.
Language has named support through Wellcomm, a speech and language programme. Nursery phonics foundations include poems, stories, action rhymes and listening activities, including hearing separate sounds and blending them aloud. Children also have daily access to the reading corner during time when they choose their own activities; its books are refreshed continually. This gives them opportunities to return to books independently.
Outside, children can ride bikes, balance and climb. These opportunities give physical development a practical place in the session. During the March 2025 inspection, early-years children used photographs of local buildings to construct a miniature town, connecting making and building with understanding their community.
Emotional wellbeing is supported through a Thrive approach. Adults help children resolve disagreements and make choices during play. Nursery wellbeing learning uses songs, storytelling and small groups to explore friendship, family relationships, permission and simple feelings. These are concrete ways to introduce getting along with others.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school aims to adapt the pace of learning to individual needs. A SENCO provides a contact route for families. Parents receive class information through Class Dojo, alongside letters, calls and meetings. Incoming private Dojo messages are not read or answered, so use the office telephone or email to contact staff.
Food arrangements include a daily piece of fruit or vegetable through the National Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. Cool Milk provides free milk for registered children under five, continuing until the Friday before their fifth birthday. School meals accommodate religious, cultural and health needs; health-related diets require instructions from the Dietetics Department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Families arrange dietary discussions with the office before starting. Meal choices must be booked each week through Parent Pay before the deadline.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Doncaster Council route by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as separate decisions.
The nursery's listening, language and oral blending activities prepare children for later phonics learning. That educational preparation does not secure admission.
Morning nursery sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Each lasts three hours. Lunch occupies the interval from 11:30am to 12:15pm, giving families a clear distinction between session time and the lunch period.
Explorers provides before and after school care within the school during term time for children aged 3 to 11. Activities include games both outside and indoors, chosen according to children's interests. Registration forms can be collected from school. For nursery enquiries, contact the office on 01302 831307 or admin@shawwood.doncaster.sch.uk. Refer to the school for current charges.
The morning session is 8:30am to 11:30am and the afternoon session is 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Both last three hours.
Children have opportunities to climb, balance and ride bikes, practising movement skills and developing strength and dexterity.
Wellcomm supports speech and language. Stories, poems, rhymes and listening activities also form part of nursery learning.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through Doncaster Council by the applicable deadline.
Call 01302 831307 or email admin@shawwood.doncaster.sch.uk. Class Dojo sends information to parents, but incoming private messages are not read or answered.
