Ryecroft Academy Nursery Review

Partner talk, animal themes and an EYFS outdoor area give Ryecroft Academy’s nursery its character: early learning built around conversation and exploring the world. The provision is teacher led, and children can begin from their third birthday. It sits within the academy on Stonebridge Grove in Farnley, Leeds.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection of 18 and 19 March 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven learning areas. Ryecroft gives the earliest emphasis to communication, physical development and children’s social and emotional skills. In parent language, that means learning to express an idea, move with increasing control and play alongside somebody else before building further subject knowledge.

Conversation has a concrete place in the day. In March 2025, children in early years practised speaking with a partner, building their ability to hold a conversation. The curriculum also emphasises adults extending children’s vocabulary through discussion, storytelling and imaginative play. Stories, poems and rhymes provide material for children to talk about, rather than simply listen to.

Nursery topics follow a cycle lasting two years. People who help us and Down on the Farm feature in one cycle; Amazing Animals and How do we get there? appear in the other. Both include How does your garden grow? and Once Upon a Time. These themes give learning a recognisable focus while changing the subject matter children encounter.

Physical spaces include the nursery classroom, an Early Years Rainbow Room and the EYFS outdoor area. Indoor and outdoor play are part of the curriculum’s approach to movement and coordination. For smaller movements, puzzles, miniature play scenes, craft materials and tools provide practice in controlling hands and fingers. The emphasis is on developing the movements children will later use for drawing and writing.

In March 2025, early years staff helped children become familiar with routines and develop attentive listening. Children also demonstrated restraint, followed expectations and understood ways to protect themselves and others. These are practical foundations for taking part in a group day.

Personal and emotional development includes adult guidance with feelings, cooperation and everyday independence. Learning to care for their bodies and manage personal needs forms part of the curriculum, alongside learning how to resolve disagreements with other children.

Across the academy, catering moved to GORSE Kitchen from September 2026. The service aims to make nutritious food appealing to pupils, with refreshed menus and opportunities for their feedback forming part of its plans. Families should obtain current meal charges from the academy.

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 the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions; familiarity with the academy does not secure admission.

Wraparound childcare is advertised as available from September, term time only, between 7.30am and 6.00pm (5.00pm on Fridays). Confirm current availability with the academy before arranging collection around work.

Families can register nursery interest using an expression of interest form. Tours can also be booked through the academy, giving parents a chance to see the setting and meet the team. Contact the office on 0113 7330 129 or email info@ryecroft.leeds.sch.uk.