Nields Academy Nursery

Two three-hour sessions give Nields Academy’s nursery a clear daily shape: a morning group and an afternoon group, with 16 places in each. There are 32 places overall. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, making this provision for families seeking a school-based start in Slaithwaite.

Nields Academy has no Ofsted graded rating yet. The inspection of 28 and 29 November 2023, conducted under the name Nields Junior Infant and Nursery School, judged early years Inadequate. That distinction matters: the dated early-years findings require attention, but should not be presented as a separate nursery inspection or a current academy judgement.

Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; the afternoon runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Each gives children a defined session rather than requiring a whole school day.

In November 2023, early reading, children’s emotional and social development, and everyday routines were priorities for early years. However, the curriculum was still being developed, and activities did not build the skills and understanding children needed for subsequent learning. This was a substantial concern about what children learned, beyond the organisation of their day. The required improvement was to make early-years teaching and activities establish firmer foundations for future learning.

Adult support was a more positive part of the November 2023 early-years findings: staff helped children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), well. This sits alongside the curriculum concern; supportive care and suitable learning activities are separate considerations for families.

SEND support uses Assess-Plan-Do-Review: staff assess a child’s needs with parents, agree support and intended outcomes, put the plan into practice, then review its effect. The class teacher remains responsible for daily work with the child, supported by the SENCo. Learning Plans are discussed with parents each term, giving families a regular opportunity to consider targets and adjustments.

Specialist involvement can include Speech and Language Therapy or the CCI (Complex Communication and Interaction) Team, according to a child’s needs. Parents are involved in decisions to bring in specialists. Across the school, physical adaptations include sufficiently wide doorways, disabled toilet facilities and a ramp at the main entrance. These are useful practical details for families considering access requirements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, confer admission priority or create an automatic transfer. Families must make a separate Reception application through Kirklees Local Authority’s online common application form before the closing date. School staff cannot offer September Reception places themselves, so a nursery place should never be treated as securing the next stage.

For children receiving SEND support, the arrangements for changing classes include passing information and documents to the next teacher, usually with a meeting between teachers. This supports continuity of care and learning. It is separate from the decision about admission.

Applications for nursery use a form obtainable from the school office. Morning and afternoon sessions each have 16 places, so families can consider which part of the day suits their routine when applying.

Contact the school on 01484 842154 or at office@nields.ghat.org.uk. School visits can be arranged by telephone or email, with a senior leadership team member meeting families initially to discuss a child’s specific needs. For families considering SEND support, that provides an opportunity to explain the help their child requires before starting.