Allerton CofE Primary School Nursery

Two age groups give Allerton’s nursery its shape: provision for two-year-olds and for children aged three to four, within the school in Alwoodley, Leeds. Nursery sits within the early years team, with nursery teachers, a deputy room lead and teaching assistants. That gives families a school-based starting point with a distinct nursery staff structure.

Development Matters informs the ACE Curriculum. For parents, the emphasis is on children’s developing knowledge and skills, with learning arranged in steps that build on what came before. The school aims to develop confidence, positive relationships and enjoyment of learning alongside its Christian values.

An enquiring mind and a sense of wonder are among the qualities the school wants children to develop. These give the curriculum a broader purpose than preparing for later lessons: curiosity and personal development are part of its stated ambition. The nursery has its own long-term learning plan within that approach.

For three- and four-year-olds, the session pattern shapes how much of the day children spend here. Families can choose morning or afternoon attendance across five days, or concentrate their hours into two full days and a half day. Eligible children can also attend five full days. Those are different weekly rhythms, so the choice matters for both the child’s routine and family arrangements.

An early years SENCO provides a point of contact for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Support follows a cycle of assessing needs, planning adjustments, putting them into practice and reviewing progress. Parents take part in those decisions, rather than simply receiving the outcome.

For children on the SEND register, families receive termly feedback through a reviewed Graduated Approach Document (GAD), alongside an annual progress report. Where necessary, the school works with speech and language therapists through ChatterBug or the NHS. An early years behaviour support worker is also part of the pastoral team.

Absence needs reporting on the day a child misses nursery. After two consecutive days of unreported absence, the school contacts parents and, if unsuccessful, emergency contacts. If no listed contact can be reached over three days, the school implements safeguarding procedures. Keeping contact details usable therefore matters as much as reporting an illness promptly.

A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Allerton’s Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that as a fresh application, even when a child already knows the school.

For children with SEND, SENCO responsibilities include planning the move with the next education provider and passing on relevant support information. That is continuity of care, separate from the decision about a school place.

Three-year-old morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am; afternoons run from 11:55am to 2:55pm. Full days run from 8:40am to 2:40pm, with a charged extension to 2:55pm. Confirm current charges with the school before choosing the longer finish.

Funded provision of 15 hours begins in the term after a child’s third birthday. Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access a 30-hour place after applying to HMRC. Session preferences are accommodated where possible, with a waiting list for changes.

Contact the school office for a Nursery Enquiry Form. Families are invited to an open day in the term before eligibility begins, and must accept their place. An original birth certificate and a signed nursery contract are required before starting.