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Nursery at Kilnhurst St Thomas' CofE Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Dough Disco, listening games and stories give this nursery its character: play has a purpose, with talking and movement woven into learning. FS1 is the nursery provision at Kilnhurst St Thomas' CofE Primary Academy, on Meadow View Road in Kilnhurst. Children normally begin in the term following their third birthday. An earlier start after turning three depends on numbers, staffing and the ratios required; funding begins the following term.
Term-time provision includes morning, afternoon and longer sessions. That gives families a choice between a shorter nursery session and a day that includes lunch.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides planning. In parent terms, learning covers relationships and emotions, physical development and communication alongside literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Staff plan play activities each day, with learning indoors and outside when weather permits.
Language gets deliberate attention. Through ShREC, adults follow a child's interest, respond to their communication, introduce extra vocabulary and keep the conversation going. This makes play a chance to practise expressing ideas. In May 2022, Ofsted found that early-years children were learning new words connected to their curriculum and developing an understanding of basic concepts.
Stories, songs, rhymes and listening games prepare FS1 children for reading; more formal teaching starts in the summer term. Daily Dough Disco and Squiggle sessions use movement and songs to develop hand and arm control. Drawing, painting and making marks give children further practice before handwriting.
Maths involves objects, games and practical problems, including comparing quantities, exploring patterns and counting. Children also use everyday words for size, weight, capacity and time. Alongside counting and comparing amounts, this gives them language for describing differences and talking about the practical maths they encounter through their everyday play activities. Role-play spaces and story corners support indoor learning. Outside, activities can include investigating nature, building together and exploring seasonal changes, giving children different ways to use their ideas.
Children attending across lunchtime can have a school meal, with a separate nursery meal charge. Nappy changing is available within the foundation provision, a practical feature for children who still need help with personal care.
Family involvement includes learning journals, stay-and-play sessions and workshops. Parents can share photographs and learning from home through class communication systems. These provide ways to connect what a child does at nursery with family life.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's approach includes adapting learning and involving families in support plans. Individual Education Plans are reviewed termly with parents. The SENDCO can be contacted through the office, giving families a route to discuss additional needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. It also gives no priority under the arrangements for entry in 2027/28. Families must make a separate school application: Rotherham residents apply through Rotherham Authority's online admissions service, the Capita Citizen Portal. The deadline for admission in 2027 is 15 January 2027. Families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority.
Transition support is a separate matter. Children with SEND can have additional opportunities, where necessary, to prepare for moving from nursery into F2, the Reception class. This supports the change of classroom; it does not alter the application process.
The 15-hour pattern runs from 8.40am to 11.40am or from 11.40am to 2.40pm. For families qualifying for 30 funded hours, the session runs from 8.40am to 2.40pm. Full days finish at 3.10pm; choosing that pattern requires 2.5 hours each week to be self-funded. Ask the school for current charges for additional hours and meals.
To register interest or arrange a visit, call 01709 570297. Families provide their child's details, contact information and preferred hours. Applications can be made at any age and children join a waiting list; the school contacts families in the term before their child is due to start.
Normally in the term after their third birthday. Starting sooner after turning three depends on pupil numbers, staffing and required ratios, and funding begins the following term.
The 15-hour sessions are 8.40am to 11.40am or 11.40am to 2.40pm. The 30-hour session is 8.40am to 2.40pm, while full days end at 3.10pm. Nursery operates during term time.
Children attending over lunchtime can access school meals. A separate nursery meal charge applies; contact the school for current charges.
No. A separate application is required, and nursery attendance gives no priority for 2027/28 entry. Rotherham residents apply through Rotherham Authority by 15 January 2027 for admission in 2027.
Call the school office on 01709 570297 to arrange a visit or register interest in a nursery place.
