Hexthorpe Primary School Nursery

Three-hour sessions shape nursery life at Hexthorpe: a morning or an afternoon, with 15 hours of provision each week. This is the school's Foundation Stage 1 provision for three- and four-year-olds in Hexthorpe, Doncaster. The session choice gives families two distinct daily patterns to fit around their other commitments.

The important educational qualification is the early years judgement. At the Ofsted inspection on 20 and 21 September 2023, early years provision was rated Requires improvement. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Morning nursery runs from 08:15 to 11:15; afternoon nursery runs from 12:15 to 15:15. Each gives children a three-hour session rather than a full school day. For parents, the practical choice is which half of the day suits their child and family routine.

Play and conversation were positive features of early years in September 2023: children cooperated in their play and spoke assuredly with adults about learning. Reading and mathematics were priorities from early years onwards. In September 2023, staff were asked to give children more meaningful speaking practice throughout the seven learning areas.

Curriculum concerns were substantial. In September 2023, staff needed clearer direction about extending children's understanding and vocabulary. Activities led by adults were overly complicated for many children, preventing them from accessing the learning intended. Activities also failed to establish sufficiently secure foundations for subsequent learning.

Adult language modelling was inconsistent, and opportunities to check children's vocabulary were missed. These findings make the content of activities and the conversation around them important considerations for families: taking part needs to lead to understanding, with adults helping children practise and use new language.

Settling begins with contact at home. Early years admissions include a home visit involving the classroom teacher and safeguarding lead, allowing families to get acquainted with staff and discuss worries before starting. Translation apps on school iPads support communication with families learning English.

Across the school, parent communication includes Class Dojo, meetings, newsletters and informal conversations. The weekly One Stop Shop hub brings in Doncaster Council's Stronger Families programme alongside other community partners. A Wednesday foodbank and help with clothing and basic necessities give families practical support beyond the classroom.

Milk is supplied through Cool Milk. Registered children under five qualify for a free daily 189ml carton. Children also have individual water bottles and drinking water access during the day, making drinks part of the everyday care arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Doncaster Council at www.doncaster.gov.uk/admissions. Treat that application as a distinct step, even when your child already attends nursery.

The booking pattern is 15 hours each week, taken in either the morning or afternoon session. Entry can begin in the term following a child's third birthday, subject to places, with admission ordered by criteria and date of birth.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01302 852245 or email Admin@AstreaHexthorpe.org. Home visits also provide an opportunity to discuss starting nursery, while support with uniform and equipment helps families prepare.