The Mallard Academy Nursery

Two three-hour session groups shape nursery life at The Mallard Academy: one in the morning, the other in the afternoon. This is school-based provision in Balby, Doncaster, within a primary academy that admits children from age three. For families, the session pattern is the first practical consideration: collection falls either before midday or in mid-afternoon.

The academy belongs to Exceed Learning Partnership. Its stated aim is to develop curiosity and help children overcome barriers to learning. The current academy has no Ofsted graded rating yet.

Read Write Inc. begins in Nursery, giving early reading a named approach from the outset. Phonics introduces the building blocks of reading. That makes learning about sounds part of the nursery curriculum rather than something reserved for the next school stage.

The early years foundation stage, or EYFS, includes learning about the Natural World and People, Culture and Communities here. In parent terms, these are opportunities to explore the world around children and learn about people and their lives. They form the early foundations for science learning as children progress through school.

Physical activity also has a place in the timetable. The Summer 1 PE schedule assigns Nursery to Wednesday, while the academy uses outdoor space as well as facilities indoors for PE. A dated example of nursery participation is the sports event on 3 July 2025, which had separate arrangements for the morning nursery group and for afternoon nursery children alongside Reception. These are concrete opportunities to take part in movement and group activity.

Parents with concerns about their child's learning can speak to the class teacher or the special educational needs co-ordinator, the SENCo. The academy says it values parents' understanding of their children and aims to identify learning difficulties as they arise. That gives families a clear starting point for discussing support.

For safeguarding concerns, staff ask parents to raise worries promptly; serious child protection concerns should go directly to a designated safeguarding lead. Operation Encompass connects the school with police information after a domestic abuse incident, allowing staff to respond to a child's circumstances the following school day.

Drinks have a specific rule: children bring plain water in a labelled bottle with a built-in straw or spout. The plain-water rule allows exceptions for medical reasons or other specific additional needs. Medical drink exceptions require senior leadership approval and supporting medical or professional evidence.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, administered by City of Doncaster Council, and meet the deadline for their application cycle. The Reception closing date of 15 January 2026 belongs to a past cycle.

Transition activity is separate from allocation of places. On 9 July 2025, an in-school transition day included pupils meeting their next teachers and new Reception starters beginning their transition.

Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoon nursery runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Use these nursery times when planning collection. Younger children remain with their class until a parent or carer collects them; a collecting sibling or relative must be at least 16. Contact the academy if delayed.

Uniform applies from Nursery: grey trousers, shorts, skirt or pinafore, a white shirt or polo, and a navy sweatshirt or cardigan. Logos are optional on the sweatshirt or cardigan. Shoes should be black, sensible and low-heeled.

Enquiries go through the school office on 01302 859116 or admin@mallard.elp.org.uk. Visits can be arranged by contacting the academy.