Scholes (Elmet) Primary School Nursery Review

Story props and fizzing potions in October 2018, followed by garden planters in March 2020, show how familiar books became things nursery children could investigate, make and discuss. Nursery forms part of Scholes (Elmet) Primary School’s Early Years phase, alongside Reception.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 21 and 22 May 2024. That judgement covers the early years phase rather than a separately inspected nursery. The strongest finding for parents concerns the teaching: adults understood how to develop children’s learning, with purposeful conversations and carefully chosen activities.

The early years curriculum combines learning through play with deliberate attention to vocabulary, knowledge and skills. In May 2024, teaching was organised around what younger children needed to learn next; children achieved very well and played cooperatively. For parents, the important connection is between an enjoyable activity and the learning adults help children take from it.

An October 2018 nursery example shows that connection in detail. Room on the Broom prompted children to examine animal footprints, join in repeated story phrases and retell the story with props. Outdoors, they made a dragon’s cave, then painted a dragon together and added textured scales and spikes. Storytelling became an opportunity to compare shapes, discuss body parts and work together.

Science was practical, too. Children combined food colouring, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to make bubbling potions. Pipettes gave their fingers a workout, while slime prompted discussion of texture and movement. These were activities with something concrete to notice and describe.

The Nursery garden also featured in March 2020 learning. Children spotted spring flowers and helped prepare planters; bean planting and Jack and the Beanstalk were planned together. Counting beans connected the story to number work. These dated examples illustrate how books and outdoor exploration have been linked, rather than prescribing today’s timetable.

Adult interaction was a strength of early years provision in May 2024. Staff used conversation to advance learning and supported children in playing together. This matters because support can happen during the activity itself, as children talk, experiment and cooperate.

Home Link activities have connected nursery stories with family reading. In October 2018, families were encouraged to share Room on the Broom and use animal masks to retell it. That gave parents a specific way to join in with the learning.

Separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience, with the later school application treated separately.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0113 264 9149 or email scholesoffice@spherefederation.org.

A February 2021 funding reminder asked eligible families using 30-hour childcare funding to renew expiring codes. Keeping eligibility codes renewed was necessary for that funding. Refer to the school for current charges.