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Nursery at Penny Field School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Messy play, story massage and a playground of its own give Raindrops Class its character. Penny Field’s youngest learners belong to this mixed class, which spans ages 2 to 9 and currently has 11 pupils. That is a class roll, rather than a nursery capacity. Early years children learn alongside pupils from later stages.
Based in Meanwood, Leeds, Penny Field serves children with severe and complex needs. The early years provision sits within a specialist school, with education, communication and personal care brought together around individual needs.
Raindrops combines group teaching, individual sessions and play in which children can move between activities. Messy activities, music and exploration outdoors are named parts of class life. This gives children different ways to participate, rather than relying on one kind of lesson.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the learning framework. In parent terms, it brings together learning to communicate, move and build relationships with early reading, number, creativity and understanding the world. Penny Field gives substantial time to children’s own play and activities guided by adults. Learning is personalised through sensory experiences and play, with the wider curriculum linked to education, health and care plan outcomes.
Raindrops has access to its own separate playground, and the early years group can use its outdoor area throughout the day. Outdoor learning therefore has a place alongside classroom activities. Across the school, facilities include a sensory room, hydrotherapy pool and rebound room; these are school facilities rather than a nursery-specific timetable.
Games, music and story massage bring Raindrops together with other classes. Weekly buddy sessions with Yellow Sunshine give pupils opportunities to practise playing and working together. Communication also has practical tools: the school uses visual aids, Intensive Interaction and Makaton, which combines spoken language with symbols and signs.
Every Raindrops pupil has a Key Worker within the class who supports their learning. Alongside teaching staff, the Educare team handles personal care and supports pupils during lunch. Medical Interveners manage medicines and gastric feeding, working with the nursing team. For children whose care needs shape their day, these are concrete roles with distinct responsibilities.
On-site inclusion nursing sits alongside speech and language therapy and physiotherapy input. Support for eating, drinking and swallowing includes assessments at snack and lunch times, feeding plans, staff training and contact with parents. Families with special dietary requirements can complete and return an allergen form.
Parents can communicate through Class Dojo, email and telephone, with regular coffee mornings providing another opportunity for contact. Child protection training applies to all staff, and the school has three Designated Safeguarding Leads. These arrangements give families both everyday communication channels and a route for raising concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception admission is a separate process, and families must apply again through the applicable admission route by its deadline.
Within Raindrops, future learning can follow the Engagement or Working Towards Independence Pathway, according to the pupil’s needs and age. This is a curriculum progression, separate from the admission decision.
The school day runs from 9am to 3pm and follows Leeds City Council term dates. Transport for pupils attending Penny Field is arranged through Leeds City Council Transport Services.
Uniform is optional, with clothing comfort and sensory needs informing families’ choices. For those choosing uniform, items include a blue cardigan or sweatshirt and a white polo shirt. General enquiries go to 0113 8314222 or info@pennyfield.org.uk; the school is on Tongue Lane, Meanwood, Leeds, LS6 4QD.
Raindrops is a mixed EYFS, KS1 and lower KS2 class for ages 2 to 9, currently comprising 11 pupils. This is the whole class roll, not a count of nursery places.
They combine group lessons, individual sessions and free-flow play, with messy play, music, outdoor exploration and story massage among the activities.
Yes. Raindrops has its own playground, and the early years class can access its outdoor space throughout the day.
The Educare team supports personal care and lunchtime routines. Medical Interveners handle gastric feeding and medication, while speech and language therapy support includes feeding assessments and plans for children with eating, drinking or swallowing needs.
No. Reception admission is separate, and families must apply again through the applicable admission route by its deadline.
