Stainforth Kirton Lane Primary School Nursery

Stories, new words and learning to share give Kirton Lane’s nursery its character. This is the school’s FS1 provision on Thorne Road in Stainforth, with its learning organised within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

The April 2024 Ofsted inspection found that early-years children adjusted quickly, practised sharing and turn-taking, and persisted with activities when things became difficult. Those are useful foundations for a child beginning group learning: joining in, staying with a task and making room for someone else.

Language has a clear place in the day. Nursery children enjoyed story time in April 2024, while adults introduced vocabulary and prompted children to try those words themselves. The emphasis combines listening with speaking, giving children opportunities to use language rather than simply hear it.

Read, Write Inc begins during the nursery’s summer term. This phonics scheme is designed to help children learn to read. Sharing books at home is part of the school’s advice to parents, so familiar stories can connect home reading with the nursery’s interest in books.

The EYFS learning described here includes exploring the world through activities rather than separate geography and history lessons. Outdoors, the early-years area is used for purposeful learning. Inside, an Understanding the world floor book collects photographs and examples of children’s work. It makes their discoveries visible in the classroom.

History activities draw on past experiences and children’s interests. A classroom timeline represents events that have happened and those still to come, giving young children a concrete way to begin thinking about time. Together, these details show learning that moves between practical activity, conversation and records children can revisit.

Settling quickly was an early-years strength in April 2024. Sharing and taking turns were part of that adjustment, so the social side of starting nursery received attention alongside learning.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school has trained staff who support families with learning and health difficulties. The team can assist with referrals and bring professionals together. Parents can arrange an appointment through the office, providing a direct route into that support.

Food arrangements across the school include meals cooked in its own kitchen, a rotating three-week menu and a daily jacket-potato alternative. Packed lunches are another option. Children under five can receive free milk through Cool Milk, provided their family registers them with the supplier.

A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families must make a separate application through Doncaster Council Admissions. Treat that application as a distinct step in your child’s move into school, rather than assuming nursery enrolment completes it.

The school office handles general enquiries on 01302 842092 or at admin@kirtonlaneprimary.co.uk. The address is Thorne Road, Stainforth, Doncaster, DN7 5BG.

School uniform can be bought from supermarkets, while items carrying the Kirton Lane logo can be ordered through the office. This gives families a choice of purchasing route within the school’s uniform arrangements.