Churwell Primary Academy Nursery

A place within the main school building gives Churwell’s nursery a clear connection to the school around it. On Westwood Side in Churwell, this is the academy’s own nursery provision. Children become eligible for free nursery education in the relevant term after turning three; younger children are not admitted.

Physical access deserves attention. Internal steps lead to the nursery area, while an external ramp provides another route. For families managing mobility needs, that distinction matters when planning access to the classroom.

The Early Years Cultural Capital Card gives learning experiences a visible record. Children mark off activities on their card, which follows them through the phase and goes home when that phase ends. It gives families something concrete to share and discuss beyond the classroom.

Across Churwell, Growth Mindset is a named approach to learning. Its themes include perseverance, co-operation and being willing to try. The school aims to help children treat mistakes as opportunities to learn, giving adults and children a shared language for tackling something difficult.

Support for additional needs starts with discussion. Parents can speak to their child’s class teacher about progress and concerns; families joining the school can contact the SEND co-ordinator directly. The school uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review to organise support, with parents, teaching staff and relevant professionals contributing to an individual programme.

Formal SEND reviews take place termly, with more frequent meetings where needed. An Individual Provision Map Support Plan also goes home each term, and parents can contribute to targets. This gives families a recurring opportunity to discuss what support is doing and what needs to change.

Learning Mentors and an Inclusion Support Team provide school support for individuals and groups. For some nursery children, the school can apply for SENDIF or SENDIF+ funding, subject to criteria and needs exceeding what its usual budget can support. This is conditional support, rather than an automatic entitlement for every child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school-place application through the Admissions Team of Leeds City Council. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are distinct decisions.

For children with SEND moving between classes, transition meetings allow current and receiving staff to exchange information and agree new targets. Children can spend time with their next teacher and class during the final summer half term. A transition booklet includes photographs and information about the next year group, giving families something to revisit over the summer. Extra classroom time can be arranged when required. These practices help with the change of class; they do not secure admission.

Nursery eligibility follows birthday bands, with entry beginning in the relevant following term. The free-education offer starts after a child’s third birthday and continues until statutory school age.

For enquiries, contact the school office at office@churwellprimary.org.uk or 0113 2527437. The administration team handles questions and passes them to the appropriate staff member. Office contact hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.00pm, with answerphone messages possible afterwards.