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Nursery at Highfields Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
At the February 2022 inspection, stories, poems and children telling tales back to one another gave Highfields’ early years provision a clear emphasis on language. The nursery serves three- and four-year-olds within Highfields Primary Academy on Coppice Road in Doncaster, rather than operating as a separate setting.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the nursery class is Farringdon. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good in February 2022; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Listening becomes talking: in February 2022, early years children heard stories and poetry, then recounted stories to adults and other children. That gives children a practical reason to use language, rather than simply listen to it. For parents, this is the most concrete picture of learning here: books, conversation and opportunities to put a story into their own words.
The early years foundation stage, or EYFS, is the part of the school’s provision that includes the nursery. Its learning environment is adapted for individual needs. That matters for a child who needs a different way to take part: access to learning can be adjusted around the child.
Speech support starts early. In February 2022, children needing help with speech received prompt assessment and support tailored to them, connecting the emphasis on language with help for children who find communication harder.
Additional needs are addressed through the Doncaster Graduated Approach, using Assess, Plan, Do and Review to adjust support over time. Teaching materials, the learning environment and adult help can be adapted, with specialist services involved where appropriate. A diagnosis is not a prerequisite for considering support or reasonable adjustments. Parents participate in planning and reviewing provision, giving families a role in deciding the next steps.
Intimate care must be undertaken by appropriately trained staff, with children’s privacy respected and explanations given about what is happening. Nursery children do not have to be toilet trained before joining. For dietary requirements, the school office is the contact point.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority under the school’s 2026/27 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through Doncaster Council’s normal admissions process. For September 2027 entry, the first closing date is 15 January 2027.
Preparation for the classroom is a separate matter. In July 2026, nursery children had a staged transition programme: two sessions included lunch, followed by a longer day. Children could get to know their next classroom and classmates while trying new routines. The academy supplied lunch, with packed lunches also permitted. This offered practical familiarisation, not an admissions advantage.
From September 2026, Farringdon uses the Front Entrance for entering and leaving school. Enquiries can go to info@highfieldspa.org.uk or 01302 651037.
The universal funded entitlement for three- and four-year-olds is 15 hours a week across 38 weeks, during term time. An additional 15 hours depends on working-parent eligibility and whether the school offers an extended place. Applications for universal nursery hours go through Doncaster Council’s online admissions route. Funded education hours are free; optional meals, consumables and additional hours can carry charges. Families should refer to the school for current charges.
The nursery serves three- and four-year-olds.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or confer priority under the school’s 2026/27 criteria. A separate Reception application is required.
The first closing date is 15 January 2027. Apply through Doncaster Council’s online admissions process.
No. Toilet training is not a condition of joining a school nursery in Doncaster.
The school uses the Doncaster Graduated Approach and Assess, Plan, Do and Review. Parents help plan and review support, and a diagnosis is not required before support or reasonable adjustments are considered.
