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Nursery at Southfield Primary
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Paintbrushes and water containers become opportunities for conversation at Southfield: adults use ordinary activities to help children practise new words and sounds. Language gives the early years provision its character. The nursery takes children from age 3 and forms part of Southfield Primary on Tranmoor Lane in Armthorpe, Doncaster.
The nursery teacher also holds an assistant headteacher role, connecting nursery teaching with the school's leadership team. Ofsted's March 2026 inspection graded early years at Strong standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Purposeful play and deliberate teaching sit together here. In March 2026, early years staff showed children how to develop their play, introducing vocabulary as activities unfolded. Washing painting equipment and filling containers provided practical occasions to hear and use language. Conversation is part of the activity itself.
The early years curriculum translates into small, recognisable steps for children: using words confidently, managing a coat and joining a seated circle. These routines help children switch between activities. Children maintained their attention during tasks developing different skills, while collaborative projects in early years combined creativity with learning to work together.
Writing begins with making marks, then develops towards carefully formed letters. Adults demonstrate pencil use consistently, giving children a concrete model to follow. Early reading and writing received positive findings in March 2026, alongside staff's knowledge of the early years curriculum. For parents, the distinctive combination is practical independence, purposeful play and close attention to language.
Links between home and early years learning were a strength in March 2026. Staff recognised children's learning beyond school, helping their youngest learners build skills from the outset. Parents contribute to the learning picture rather than simply receiving updates.
Support also has identifiable routes within the school. A SENCO provides a contact for special educational needs and disabilities, while the pastoral team works with families on concerns affecting children's learning and development. Parents can raise a pastoral concern through the school or their child's teacher.
Apetito supplies school lunches, with vegetarian choices alongside the main meal. Jacket potatoes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; sandwiches on Tuesdays and Thursdays. School Grid lets parents order meals ahead. Nursery meals are charged. Children can also receive milk through the Cool Milk Scheme, with free milk until their fifth birthday.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Southfield's admissions are handled by DMBC, with the route through Doncaster's primary admissions service. Treat the Reception application as a separate step in your family's planning.
Morning nursery hours are 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon hours are 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Those distinct finishing times matter when organising collection around work or another child's day.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 01302 831824 or email Admin-Southfield@empoweringmindsmat.uk. Report absence to the office on the first day. Following vomiting or diarrhoea, children must remain away for 48 hours before returning, a care rule families need to factor into their childcare plans.
Southfield's nursery takes children from age 3.
Morning hours are 8:30am to 11:30am. Afternoon hours are 12:15pm to 3:15pm.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process. Southfield's admissions are handled by DMBC.
Parents can pre-order meal choices using School Grid. Apetito provides the meals, and nursery lunches are charged.
The March 2026 Ofsted inspection graded early years at Strong standard. This covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
