Lees Primary School Nursery Review

Rhymes, stories and topics about pets and growing give Lees nursery its starting points: familiar experiences that young children can talk about and explore. Children can join from age three, within Lees Primary School in Cross Roads, Keighley. This is the school's own nursery, with a choice between weekday mornings and a full-time funded pattern for eligible families.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play and practical exploration shape the early years approach. Lees aims to develop independence and confidence, giving personal and social development equal importance alongside academic learning. For parents, that means the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here involves learning to play with others and tackle new experiences as well as building the foundations for classroom learning.

Nursery topics move from All about me to People who help me, then explore pets and the local farm, Our world, Growing and Bears! These themes give children recognisable starting points for questions and discovery. Language activities, rhymes and stories provide the nursery's preparation for reading. Books are part of the day: in November 2023, teachers were sharing engaging books from Nursery onwards.

The early years classrooms were bright and equipped with plentiful resources in November 2023. Children explored together, followed routines and moved calmly and safely around their rooms. Beyond the classrooms, the school's grounds include a Wildlife Area and an outdoor classroom, giving its outdoor learning a physical base.

Nursery children also belong to the Bronze stage of the Brontë Awards. The award framework recognises experiences through badges, with certificates, displays and ceremonies celebrating achievements. It gives learning beyond ordinary classroom tasks a visible place in school life.

Staffing includes a nursery teacher and early years support staff. For children needing additional help, the school's SEND approach involves families and outside agencies, with a SEND coordinator and pastoral leader providing points of support. Lees aims to include children with special educational needs and disabilities fully in school life.

Food arrangements allow a school lunch or a lunch brought from home. FM Catering Services provides school meals, with vegetarian and vegan options each day and provision for dietary, medical, religious and allergy needs. Milk is free until a child's fifth birthday. Any water bottle brought into school should be reusable, named and have a sports top, making hydration part of the practical preparation for the day.

SchoolPing carries notices, reminders and event updates to parents. Families can contact the office for help with their login. Child protection trained staff are also available to discuss safeguarding concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Bradford Admissions; choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

For the September 2026 intake, the Reception application deadline was 15 January 2026. That was a past admissions cycle. Nursery enrolment and the council's Reception application are separate steps.

The 15-hour pattern consists of mornings each weekday. Eligible families may qualify for the government-funded 30-hour pattern, running Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 3.10pm. Before and after school care is charged by session and runs during term time, with breakfast and an evening meal included. Ask the school for current charges.

To enquire, use the Get in Touch form and include your child's name, birth date, address and parent contact details. School tours can be booked through the office on 01535 643320. The school expects children to wear uniform and operates a used uniform exchange, which families can access through the office as well as school events.