Travis St Lawrence Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Mud pies, den building and sunflower seeds give Rainbow Nursery a practical, outdoorsy character. This is Travis St Lawrence’s Foundation 1 provision in Hatfield, with the nursery based on the lower site. Children start from age three, subject to places being available; the nursery admission number for 2026-2027 is 39.

The May 2026 Ofsted inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Children settled readily into familiar activities, and the outdoor environment suited nursery-age children well. That gives families a useful picture of the youngest children’s experience, rather than a separate nursery inspection grade.

Play has a clear learning purpose here. Continuous provision means resources remain available for children to choose and revisit: building blocks, scissors, shells, sticks and pebbles become tools for practising movement, talking and early mathematics. Children make decisions about their activities, while adults introduce learning and help them take it further.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical skills, communication and emotional development with early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and learning about the world. In everyday terms, that includes sharing stories, experimenting with materials, making marks and talking through ideas. White Rose Maths supplies the mathematics approach, with short teaching inputs followed by practical opportunities to use new skills.

Outside, the mud kitchen, bikes and climbing equipment make movement part of learning. Gardening includes planting sunflowers and observing seasonal changes. Outdoor play continues in different weather, so suitable clothing matters. Nursery children share this area with Reception children, giving them opportunities to maintain friendships across classes.

In May 2026, adults regularly extended children’s talk through questions that invited explanations. Children cooperated and shared equipment outside. There was also a limitation across the shared early years environment: older children showed less interest in the activities and needed adults to extend their learning. The provision suited nursery children more closely.

Settling begins with a welcome meeting where new families meet the nursery team and explore the classroom. Home visits also form part of the arrangements for nursery children. Once children start, Class Dojo carries learning updates and information about activities, alongside daily conversations with staff. Parents have both a digital contact route and face-to-face communication.

Each child in the EYFS has a key person who works with their family. In May 2026, staff’s knowledge of children and relationships with families helped them support additional learning and wellbeing needs. For concerns about development, the class teacher is the first contact, with the SENCO involved when needed. The school uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle, so support can change as a child’s needs change.

Food is another practical consideration. The Pantry provides school catering, and nursery meals carry a charge. Children receive support with healthy choices at snack and lunchtime. Ask the school for current meal charges.

Attending Rainbow Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Doncaster Council’s admissions route by the normal Reception deadline. Nursery attendance confers no priority under the 2027-2028 admission criteria, so familiarity with the school should not be treated as an admissions advantage.

Shared outdoor space offers everyday contact with Reception children. Separately, transitions within school include information being passed to the next teacher; children with SEND can have a tailored plan involving familiarisation activities, new routines and additional relationship-building opportunities. These arrangements support the move, while admission remains a separate decision.

Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoon nursery runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The funded provision is 15 hours a week over 38 weeks. Extended hours involve separate arrangements and charges: contact the office or admin@tsl.dsat.education for details.

Premier Education provides wraparound care for nursery children, subject to space. Sessions require advance online booking. This is a separate booking from nursery attendance.

Uniform combines red tops with plain black active bottoms and trainers; branded tops are optional. Labelled wellington boots and a waterproof coat support outdoor learning. To arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01302 840200.