The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Hawthorn Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, outdoor exploration and learning to manage everyday tasks give Hawthorn’s nursery its character. Funded places for three- and four-year-olds sit within the school in Cantley, Doncaster, with additional sessions an option. Nursery children belong to Birch Class, within an early years unit whose two classes spend parts of the day together.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 26 and 27 June 2024. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Adult-guided learning alternates with activities children choose themselves. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines teaching sessions with planned opportunities to explore and practise learning independently. Indoor learning areas and outdoor space support that balance: children can investigate an interest, then use what an adult has helped them learn.
Birch’s themes include Arctic Adventures, Healthy Choices and Friendships and Feelings. Staff also shape activities around children’s interests and questions, giving their curiosity a part in planning. Outdoor exploration continues in different weather, so waterproof clothing, wellies and sun hats have a practical purpose.
Books run through the session. Children hear stories and poetry daily and are encouraged to invent stories and perform them. Adults share books with children during the day, while a lending library and weekly opportunities for parents to read in class connect this activity with home. Vocabulary linked to the themes goes onto Tapestry, alongside home-learning challenges each half term. Families can practise the same words in everyday conversation.
In June 2024, early years learning gave children a balanced mix of experiences and helped them develop independence. Repeated songs, rhymes and stories supported language development. Across the school, teaching still needed more responsive changes to questions and tasks, and monitoring needed to guide staff training more consistently. These were school-wide improvement actions, rather than findings confined to nursery.
Each child has a designated key person who works with the family to help them settle and understand their needs. Practitioners hold at least a level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education; the nursery teacher has Early Years Teacher Status. That gives families both a regular point of contact and a qualified early years team.
During June 2024, staff established relationships with parents early, and identification of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) began in the early years. Nursery children who needed nappies received support towards managing toileting independently. Children also learnt practical health habits, including sun safety and drinking enough water.
The school’s meals are supplied by Apetito, with menu choices booked through SchoolGrid and a three-week menu rotation. Packed lunches are permitted, with nuts excluded because of severe allergies. Under-fives can receive free school milk after registration through Cool Milk. These arrangements make food planning part of preparing for the day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through City of Doncaster Council. For entry in September 2026, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle’s deadline has passed.
Familiarity and admission are separate matters. The two early years classes work together for parts of the day, giving nursery children experience of the wider unit. This shared routine can support familiarity with the setting, but it does not secure the next place.
Four session patterns give families a choice between daily shorter visits and grouped longer days. Option 1 runs Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 11.30am; Option 2 uses the same weekdays, 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Option 3 combines Monday and Tuesday, 8.30am to 3.15pm, with Wednesday, 8.30am to 11.45am. Option 4 combines Wednesday, 12.15pm to 3.15pm, with Thursday and Friday, 8.30am to 3.15pm.
Additional nursery hours are booked and paid for through MyChildAtSchool (MCAS). Contact the school office on 01302 535906 or admin-hawthorn@empoweringmindsmat.uk for enquiries and current charges. Nursery applications go through Doncaster Council.
Early childcare. Breakfast Club can accommodate nursery children in special circumstances. Its weekday hours are 7.45am to 8.30am, so families should treat this as conditional provision when planning work commitments.
Uniform applies to nursery children: grey bottoms, a white shirt or polo, and a red cardigan or sweatshirt. Logo-free versions are permitted. Bring a labelled water bottle each day and label clothing and footwear, especially items used outdoors.
The session choices cover three- and four-year-olds, with funded places and the option of additional sessions.
A designated key person works with each child and builds relationships with their family. In June 2024, early years staff established positive relationships with parents early.
In June 2024, nursery children who arrived needing nappies were supported towards independent toileting.
No. Families need a separate application through City of Doncaster Council. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place.
They can be accommodated in special circumstances. Breakfast Club runs Monday to Friday from 7.45am to 8.30am.
