Scawsby Saltersgate Infant School Nursery

Chicks hatching, vegetables growing and children turning their harvest into soup: Saltersgate’s nursery brings learning close to real life. The provision belongs to Scawsby Saltersgate Infant School on Windsor Walk in Scawsby, Doncaster. Its character comes through in practical activity, observation and conversation.

In May 2024, Ofsted found that children were flourishing in the early years, with play used to develop their learning. That gives parents a nursery-specific picture of the provision, separate from the school’s overall judgement.

Practical experiences give children something concrete to investigate. In May 2024, nursery children watched ducklings and chicks emerge from eggs, then studied the living birds closely enough to draw them in detail. Growing vegetables and making soup connected cultivation with preparing food. These are experiences children can talk about, revisit and understand through doing.

Language receives attention during exchanges with adults and between children. Early years staff had received training focused on their conversations with children, helping play become a learning opportunity. For parents considering the Early Years Foundation Stage, these examples make the learning tangible: talking, observing, drawing and handling materials develop together.

Tool use also featured in the May 2024 findings. Children handled tools safely and kept trying when tasks demanded effort. The combination matters: practical learning gives them opportunities to practise both physical skills and persistence.

Support for additional needs starts before nursery entry. The May 2024 inspection described discussions with families beginning ahead of a child joining Nursery, giving parents a part in planning support from the outset. SEND enquiries go to senco@saltersgate-inf.doncaster.sch.uk; urgent concerns can go through the school office.

September 2026 nursery starters had staggered joining dates. Families also received a Welcome Book by email, providing something to read before their child began. These arrangements give starting nursery a preparatory stage rather than treating it as a single first morning.

Food includes daily fruit or vegetables through the Schools Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. Children younger than five receive milk free of charge. The Family Support Worker can help with concerns about behaviour, education and wellbeing, alongside practical matters such as food-bank support and health referrals.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Keep that application distinct from the decision to take a nursery place.

The school’s admissions page directs families to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council for school admissions. Use that route for the Reception application rather than treating nursery attendance as an allocation decision.

Three session patterns give families a clear starting point: mornings run from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and full days from 8.45am to 3.15pm. Each half-day pattern totals 15 hours weekly; the full-day pattern is listed as 32.5 hours weekly. Nursery registers close ten minutes after a session begins, so punctuality matters whichever pattern you choose.

For nursery enquiries, email admin@saltersgate-inf.doncaster.sch.uk or telephone 01302 784429. The school recommends royal-blue tops, permits alternatives without its logo and makes donated uniform available on request. This gives families flexibility over where they obtain clothing.