Cockburn Haigh Road Academy Nursery

Playing together, building vocabulary and learning familiar routines give Cockburn Haigh Road Academy’s nursery its clearest character. This is provision for three and four year olds within the school on Haigh Road in Rothwell, Leeds. Its place within the school’s early years provision matters: the emphasis is on learning through activities and adult interaction, with social development alongside early reading and number.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 5 and 6 December 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, the December 2023 early years findings describe learning that brings together knowledge, language and social skills. Adults extend children’s vocabulary as they interact with them, making conversation part of learning rather than simply a way to give instructions. Resources are selected to support learning across the curriculum, including the beginnings of reading and understanding numbers.

Playing alongside other children has a clear purpose too. Expectations help children learn to cooperate, while routines and encouragement establish positive behaviour from the start. For a young child, this means learning how to participate in a group as well as developing knowledge. The December 2023 findings support this emphasis on both learning and relationships.

Parents can see learning experiences and events through the Tapestry App, used across the school. That gives families a way to connect with what children are doing and a starting point for conversations about their experiences.

Foundation Stage teachers and teaching assistants form part of the early years team. Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can include individual work, small groups and targeted help, depending on the child’s needs. Across the school, parents can contribute through meetings, telephone conversations and additional appointments. The SENCo is contactable through the main office, giving families a direct route to discuss concerns.

The school building is on one level, with gradual ramps supporting access. There is also a care suite for intimate care. These are practical features for families considering mobility or personal care needs, rather than a promise that every child will need the same support.

For food, the school’s lunch choices include hot meals and sandwiches. Packed lunches must exclude sweets, biscuits and chocolate bars, and the school is nut-free. Families preparing a lunchbox need to follow those restrictions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority for September 2027. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For Leeds residents, the route is www.leeds.gov.uk/apply, with a deadline of 15 January 2027 for September 2027 entry.

Separate application. A nursery place does not replace the Reception application. Keep that deadline in your calendar even if your child already attends here.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office: telephone 0113 512 8746, email admin@cockburnhaighroad.org or use the contact form. Office staff pass enquiries to the relevant member of the team. The address is Haigh Road, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0NQ.