Stubbings Infant School Nursery Review

A book corner with its own roof, requested by the children, gives Acorns a distinctive starting point. Nursery children at Stubbings Infant School belong to this shared nursery and Reception class in Hebden Bridge. Books have a place beyond the classroom too, with a storytelling chair in the playground.

Children can join from the term following their third birthday. The shared early years class means nursery is already part of school life, while its session patterns let families choose between attending at the beginning or end of the week.

Busy Fingers activities begin the Foundation day, giving children practice with the small hand movements used for handling tools and writing. Daily phonics in Acorns introduces letters and sounds through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. Stories also lead into making marks and trying early writing, so language learning extends beyond a taught session.

The Early Years Foundation Stage combines these beginnings in literacy with practical exploration: children experiment with colour and form, try materials and tools, and talk about events in their own lives and their families. Questions for Learning is the curriculum’s named enquiry approach, using children’s questions as starting points. This gives parents a useful picture of learning through discussion and activity rather than worksheets alone.

The Foundation timetable moves between classroom activities and outdoor learning. Wednesday includes use of the hall’s PE equipment; later in the day, creative exploration gives way to songs, rhymes and stories. The roofed Acorns book corner provides a specific place for enjoying books within that mix.

Early years development. At the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted identified a need to connect the early years curriculum more closely with later learning, alongside weaker behaviour when activities lacked clear direction. These are useful points for families to consider alongside the day’s balance of exploration and adult guidance.

The Foundation morning begins with a settling window from 8.45am to 9am, with a personal staff greeting and time for children to settle at their own pace. After lunch, Breathing Buddies provides a short calming routine before afternoon activity. Staff training includes Mindfulness and Attachment Theory, connecting the daily routines with the team’s approach to children’s wellbeing.

Communication has several routes. ClassDojo carries reminders, photographs and messages for families, classes and individual parents. Teachers can also have a brief conversation at collection, with meetings available for longer discussions. Parents therefore have both day-to-day contact and space to raise a fuller concern.

For children needing additional support, the school uses one-page profiles to explain strengths and helpful strategies. SEN Support can include an Individual Education Plan, with parents and teachers reviewing targets each term. Support is tailored to the child, including small groups, help with language and adaptations to activities or materials.

Lunch comes from Riverside Junior School. A vegetarian choice is available, and the kitchen can accommodate specified allergies; gluten-free preparation uses a designated area and separate equipment. Lunchtime supervisors monitor how children get on with meals and pass feedback to the catering team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process; Stubbings follows Calderdale Council’s admissions arrangements. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

Transition support includes photographs of unfamiliar people and places in a transition book, brief classroom visits and introductions to staff in surroundings children already know. For children with additional needs, one-page profiles and Individual Education Plans can be shared with new staff. These practices support familiarity and continuity of care; they do not secure admission.

The nursery’s two attendance patterns combine Monday and Tuesday full days with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday full days. Core full days run from 8.45am to 3.15pm; Wednesday sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am or 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Additional sessions can be purchased subject to space, with separately listed booking times.

The school describes 15 funded hours for three- and four-year-olds and 30 hours for eligible working families. Nursery meals carry a separate charge. Contact the school for current charges before booking extra attendance.

Uniform is optional. Comfortable clothing, a coat and shoes suitable for outdoor play are the practical priorities. The Foundation collection window runs from 3pm to 3.15pm.

To enquire or arrange a visit, contact the office on 01422 842728 or admin@stubbings.calderdale.sch.uk. Nursery applications use the school’s Nursery Admission Form.