Fieldhead Carr Primary School Nursery Review

Playdough, threading and stories give Fieldhead Carr’s nursery its practical character. Known as FS1, this is the school’s own nursery provision on Naburn Approach in Leeds, welcoming children who have turned three. Its curriculum brings making, talking and imaginative play together, giving young children several ways to express an idea before they can write it down.

The nursery belongs to the school’s early years provision. In February 2024, Ofsted found that nursery children enjoyed stories and rhymes, and that children’s attitudes to learning were positive from the beginning of early years.

Making things has a clear place in the nursery curriculum. FS1 planning includes practising scissors, loading paintbrushes, threading and shaping playdough. These are small, concrete tasks: children work with their hands while learning how materials behave. The craft programme also includes construction with Duplo, giving children another way to turn an idea into something they can handle.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) links these activities with children’s developing language, creativity and social skills. Art and design combine children’s own choices with activities guided by adults. Exploring texture, choosing colours and deciding which materials to use make the learning tangible. Children have choices to make, as well as techniques to practise.

Imaginative play adds a different kind of expression. FS1 drama planning includes a home corner, small-world play and costumes for taking on characters. Familiar stories and rhymes provide starting points for acting things out. Talking and listening therefore have a practical purpose: children use words, gestures and expressions to share what their characters are doing.

Breakfast is part of the school’s everyday offer, through its partnership with the Greggs Foundation. Children can choose a free daily top-up, with toast, fruit and cheese among the options. Dairy-free spread and gluten-free bread are available, and staff work with parents on suitable choices. This gives families a practical food arrangement that can accommodate individual dietary needs.

Parents can join termly nursery stay-and-play sessions. These give families an opportunity to share activities with their child and connect with classroom life.

For children whose SEND has been identified, the school assigns an Inclusion Team key worker to provide daily help, monitor progress alongside the SENDCo and maintain contact with parents. Personalised Support Plans are reviewed each term. The school also has a Sensory Room and a Thrive room, providing spaces for sensory and emotional support. These are school facilities, rather than rooms described as belonging exclusively to the nursery.

Care arrangements can be personalised too. Children who require intimate care, including nappy changing, have a plan developed with their parents and shared with the staff supporting them.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office: call 0113 2930226 or email hello@fieldheadcarr.leeds.sch.uk. The school is on Naburn Approach, Leeds LS14 2EG. Use telephone or email for direct contact, as Facebook messages are not monitored.

School lunches are booked and paid for using SCHOOLGRID. Contact the school for current meal charges.