Middleton St Mary's Nursery

Funky fingers, a daily story and a familiar key worker give Middleton St Mary's nursery its character. This provision belongs to Middleton St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School on Moor Flatts Road in Leeds. Its learning is planned for three- and four-year-olds, with places allocated after the third birthday, subject to availability.

A nursery teacher and teaching assistants work under an Early Years Lead whose responsibilities span nursery and Reception. Children belong to key worker groups, but adults work across the shared nursery space and outdoor area. There is a familiar contact alongside a wider team.

Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework followed here, organises children's early learning and development. Adult-directed activities sit alongside play that children initiate themselves. Topics change each half term, with room to respond to children's interests and developmental needs rather than holding everyone to the same pace.

In key worker groups, funky fingers activities exercise the small movements needed for writing. Conversation with adults and other children accompanies this work, giving language practice a place in the routine. Planned activities develop skills across the curriculum, while the shared outdoor area extends the space children use.

Let’s Read brings a story into every nursery day. Children also receive a Middleton St Mary’s book bag and can borrow a story from the book box near the nursery entrance. Books can be exchanged as often as families wish, returning the previous one first. Weekly nursery music teaching draws on the school's work with Leeds Music Hub, adding another regular activity to the week.

Ofsted's report dated 2 June 2026 judged early years to be at the Expected standard. Its findings cover the early years provision together, rather than giving nursery a separate grade. Physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships receive substantial attention; children follow established routines and sustain their concentration.

Practice in early learning. The June 2026 early years findings also identify uneven opportunities to apply mathematics and literacy knowledge. Changes were helping, but more consistent teaching and practice in number, reading and writing remained an improvement priority. Families should weigh that concern alongside the emphasis on play and independence.

Settling comes first: the nursery's initial focus is on children feeling secure and comfortable. A key worker provides continuity, and daily contact gives parents a chance to pass on messages about home. The team also encourages children as they practise doing things independently.

Tapestry provides contact with parents, while regular meetings explain ways to support learning at home. Before children start, the school's arrangements include meeting their teacher, seeing the classroom and taking a tour. These introductions help families become familiar with the people and spaces involved.

For additional needs, the SENDCo works with teachers and teaching assistants; an Assistant SENDCo supports speech and language work. Parents can raise concerns with their child's teacher in person, by telephone or by email. Within early years, staff help children handle disagreements and develop communication, including those whose speech and language need more support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Leeds City Council's admissions team handles September Reception allocations, and the school has no control over those decisions. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

The 15-hour childcare offer can be taken as mornings, afternoons or split-week blocks: Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday. This gives families alternatives to attending for part of every day.

Working parents with an eligibility code can access the 30-hour offer. Eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months; applying more than three months before the term begins also requires reconfirmation to keep the code valid. Nursery applications go to the school office using an admissions form.

Contact the office on 0113 2717206 or email enquiries@msmleeds.co.uk. Arbor carries school messages, reminders and payments. Clothing, shoes and bags must be labelled. Parking on Moor Flatts Avenue is prohibited at drop-off and collection times, so plan the journey accordingly.