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Nursery at Grange Lane Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud kitchens, daily outdoor learning and a separate building for the youngest children give Grange Lane’s nursery provision a practical, hands-on character. Little Grangers serves two-year-olds alongside the academy’s main nursery for three- and four-year-olds in Rossington, Doncaster.
The separate building accommodates 15 two-year-olds per session, a group size rather than a total nursery capacity. The academy plans to use spare space there for early three-year-old provision and develop its outdoor area. Those are expansion plans. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 7 and 8 March 2023; that judgement covers early years within the school.
Learning combines activities led by adults with time for children to choose their own direction. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, relationships, physical skills, early literacy and maths, creativity and exploration of the world. Staff observe children’s progress to decide what each child should work on next.
Daily nursery phonics begins with listening and speaking before introducing letter sounds through Read Write Inc. Jigsaw and Time to Talk support feelings, friendships and confidence through circle time and everyday play. Indoors, a reading area, miniature-world play and drama give children different ways to use language. Counting, weighing and filling containers make maths tangible; clay, paint and construction materials encourage making and experimenting.
Outdoor learning happens daily. The early years playground includes a track for bikes and scooters, a construction zone, water-play equipment and a mud kitchen with its own mud pit. Sand, spaces for drawing and writing, and a performance stage extend the possibilities beyond physical play. These features give children reasons to move, investigate and communicate. In March 2023, adults’ conversations with children developed vocabulary and understanding, while opportunities to practise writing extended across indoor and outdoor activities.
Settling starts with contact before nursery begins. Home visits, a family meeting and a stay-and-play session let parents share information and help staff prepare support around the child. That gives families a chance to explain routines and needs before the first session.
The early years team includes a leader for two-year-old provision, teachers and teaching assistants, with roles covering individual support, Thrive and Forest School. Across the academy, SEND support can involve a specialist teacher or a trained Learning Support Assistant; parents remain involved throughout. Nursery access includes ramps, an accessible toilet in the main nursery and accessible changing facilities in Little Grangers. These are concrete provisions for families whose children need physical access or personal-care support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Doncaster Council. Nursery attendance is not among the Reception priority criteria: these cover children in or previously in care, catchment residence, siblings and proximity. The sibling criterion also includes children at Pheasant Bank.
For the admissions cycle with a closing date of 15 January 2026, applications went through the council website. That deadline has passed.
Transition is a separate matter. Nursery children join assemblies and playtimes during summer-term visits, and parents attend a meeting. A shared transition day includes a school meal with parents or carers, giving families a practical introduction to the next stage.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. Little Grangers uses the same times. Flexible provision spreads nursery attendance across two and a half days, and the academy accommodates families entitled to 30 hours.
The nursery entitlement is 15 funded hours weekly over 38 weeks. Little Grangers accepts funded and paid places; funded allocation requires eligibility confirmation from Doncaster Council. Paid places require a booking form, completed admission documents and payment before attendance begins. Allocation depends on vacancies.
Little Grangers has its own logo sweatshirts. Contact the academy at info@gliacademy.org.uk or 01302 651038 for enquiries and current charges. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school.
Little Grangers provides for two-year-olds, alongside the main nursery for three- and four-year-olds.
Morning sessions are 8:30am to 11:30am and afternoon sessions are noon to 3pm. Little Grangers follows the same times.
Families have a home visit, a nursery meeting and a stay-and-play session, allowing parents to share information before their child starts.
No. A separate application through Doncaster Council is required, and nursery attendance is not one of the Reception priority criteria.
The early years outdoor area includes bikes and scooters, construction, sand and water play, a mud kitchen and a stage for performances.
