Askern Moss Road Infant Academy Nursery Review

Stories led to practical discovery at the July 2023 inspection: nursery children examined fruit seeds, grated vegetables and explored the scent of lavender. Nursery provision at Askern Moss Road Infant Academy serves children from age three, within an infant academy belonging to Leger Education Trust. The school occupies a building opened in 2016, and its early years outdoor learning space has been redesigned.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 11 and 12 July 2023. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately graded nursery.

Books connect listening with hands-on discovery. In July 2023, nursery children heard The Tiny Seed before examining seeds inside fruit, including avocado and melon. Comparing real objects gave the story a practical extension: children could investigate differences rather than simply hear about them.

Sensory learning went further. Children grated parsnips and carrots while using tools safely, and explored the aromas of herbs and lavender. These activities brought together practical skills and investigation of the natural world. Nursery children were progressing rapidly across their learning in July 2023.

Painting, drawing and sculpture are developed across early years through adult teaching and activities children can access during play. This combines guidance with opportunities to practise. The redesigned outdoor area adds another learning space alongside provision indoors.

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children develop the painting, drawing and sculpture skills described above through teaching and play. The July 2023 nursery activities also connected stories with practical exploration of the natural world. Here, early years support follows a cycle of assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing progress. Curriculum consistency. In July 2023, inspectors found that Reception curriculum delivery needed greater ambition and a faster pace, including in early reading and phonics. Families should ask how these early years concerns have been addressed, alongside the positive Nursery findings.

Additional needs are supported through the school's SENDCo and teaching assistants. Families can raise concerns about development, communication or personal care. Help can include support with eating, toilet use and moving safely around school, making inclusion relevant to everyday routines as well as learning.

For children receiving SEND support, parents take part in planning and reviewing provision. Termly reviews provide a regular opportunity to discuss progress and adjust support. One Page Profiles capture what matters to a child and how they learn best; support may involve individual work, small groups or specialist resources. The academy also works with speech and language therapists and educational psychologists.

Collection safety involves cooperation with families. In July 2023, early years staff agreed extra arrangements with parents to protect children when the day ended. This makes the handover a shared responsibility.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Doncaster Council, which allocates academy places. The normal closing period is January for entry the following September. Treat this as a separate step in planning your child's education.

Children with SEND receive additional help at transitions, including staff meetings, visits and information sharing. These arrangements support preparation for change; they do not establish an admissions advantage.

Prospective nursery families can book a school visit during or after the school day by telephone. Call 01302 700287 to arrange an appointment. Enquiries can also go to admin@askernmossroad.com. The academy is on Moss Road in Askern, Doncaster, DN6 0NE.