West End Primary School Nursery Review

Children’s interests help set the direction in Puffin Class, West End Primary School’s nursery in Horsforth. Planning starts with what fascinates children rather than a fixed sequence of topics. This gives families a nursery experience built around children’s developing interests, within the school’s Foundation Stage provision.

Play and teaching share the day. Children have daily time to investigate through play, alongside activities supported by adults and more explicitly taught learning. The practical distinction matters: children can pursue an idea themselves, then receive adult help or instruction as their learning develops.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care and learning together. West End’s curriculum gives early attention to movement, communication and social and emotional development, alongside maths, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Activities are adapted to individual needs and interests, rather than expecting children to learn in the same way. Conversations with adults and other children are a central part of the language approach, giving children opportunities to practise expressing their ideas throughout the day.

Cygnet Wrap Around extends the play offer beyond the nursery session. Messy play, multisport and Theraplay are among its activities. Children can use a creative area, sand area and large outdoor space, with regular outings to the trim trail on the school field. These are features of wraparound care, giving families using those sessions further opportunities for active and creative play.

Familiarity carries into Cygnet sessions: its staff also work in the school and know the children. Afternoon care includes a light snack; the morning session does not include breakfast. Families using the early start therefore need to organise breakfast separately.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school’s support process starts with discussion and assessment, followed by planning, support and review. Parents’ concerns help shape the agreed next steps. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns about development or additional needs, with the SEND coordinator also available for consultation at entry and during transitions.

The school’s SEND policy includes speech and language programmes and Sensory Circuits among its interventions. Support is chosen around individual needs. For a child arriving with SEND already identified, transition planning may include home visits, visits to the setting, timetable adjustments or changes to the learning environment. These are possible arrangements, rather than a standard package for every child.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority. Leeds City Council is West End’s admissions authority, and places are allocated through the admissions process.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND, the school agrees with parents what information should pass to the next teacher or setting. That helps the receiving team prepare for the child’s needs; it does not secure admission.

Cygnet morning care runs from 8:00am to 8:45am. Afternoon care starts at 3:15pm, finishing at 5:30pm from Monday to Thursday and 5:00pm on Friday. The earlier Friday finish matters when arranging collection.

Contact the school office at admin@westendprimary.org.uk for Cygnet enquiries and current charges. General nursery enquiries can go to westendschool@westendprimary.org.uk or 0113 258 2819.