Askern Littlemoor Infant Academy Nursery Review

Cards with messages, model robots with labelled controls and books beside the play materials: Bumblebees gives early writing a practical purpose. This is the nursery provision at Askern Littlemoor Infant Academy on Alfred Road in Askern, within Leger Education Trust. Children normally join in September after turning three; an earlier start in the following term depends on sufficient nursery places.

The early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 12 and 13 July 2022. Nursery findings highlighted purposeful use of the room and adults supporting children’s learning, with vocabulary development a clear focus. That gives parents a specific picture of the educational approach, rather than just a grade.

Choice shapes the session. Children decide which area to use, select materials and develop their play, while adults join in and extend their thinking. Alongside this are activities directed by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about language, movement, relationships, literacy, maths, creativity and the surrounding world: for parents, the emphasis is on development through play rather than a timetable of school subjects.

In-the-moment planning means adults respond to what a child is doing and thinking as play unfolds. A story becomes the focus for a two-week period, with materials adjusted around its themes and children’s interests. Nursery children begin exploring what print means and making their own marks. In July 2022, activities were chosen to develop speech and understanding, and stories and rhymes supported children’s vocabulary.

Indoors, the creative and writing spaces are combined, so making something and adding a message can happen together. Numicon supports mathematical exploration across the room. Sand, playdough and small blocks give children materials to investigate; cushions, puppets and story props add another way into books. Resources are within children’s reach, giving them responsibility for choosing and returning equipment.

Outside, a trim trail, climbing frame and slide introduce physical challenges, alongside scooters and trikes. Shells and stones can join cooking utensils in imaginative play. Children are introduced to using equipment and considering risks, so outdoor exploration also involves learning how to make decisions.

Bumblebees has a teaching team and a support team. During induction, children receive help to explore the spaces, choose equipment and learn how to use and put it away. The academy aims to make the move from home to school a planned, confident experience. Nursery stay-and-play sessions let parents participate in learning, while conversations at the beginning or end of the day, email and telephone contact provide ways to share concerns.

Milk is handled through Cool Milk. Registered children receive semi-skimmed milk daily, and it is free for children under five; registration is required even when milk is free.

For children with additional care needs, the Early Years Changing Room/Disabled Toilet has a changing bed. Outdoor play spaces are accessible, and classroom areas have accessible toilets. The academy asks families to share information about disabilities or other relevant conditions and works with the local authority on provision identified in an Education Health Care Plan. These are concrete arrangements to discuss when planning a child’s start.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Doncaster residents apply online through Doncaster Council; families living elsewhere apply through their home authority. The on-time closing month is January for a September start. Nursery attendance should therefore never be treated as a substitute for applying again.

After the local authority allocates places, a senior staff member or class teacher contacts families to explain induction and invite parents to look around. That preparation follows allocation; it is separate from the decision about a place.

Prospective nursery parents can book a visit during or after the school day by calling 01302 701353. Telephone appointments are also possible through the office, using the same number or admin@askernlittlemoor.com. The nursery is at Alfred Road, Askern, Doncaster, DN6 0PZ.

Nursery applications use Doncaster’s Parent Portal. The normal September entry follows a child’s third birthday, with January or post-Easter entry possible for eligible birthdays when there are sufficient places. Keep the nursery application and the later Reception application as separate tasks.