New Pastures Primary School Nursery Review

Learning to brush teeth sits alongside building vocabulary at New Pastures: this is nursery education with practical independence woven into it. In July 2024, children were learning to look after themselves and one another, as well as developing the language that supports later learning. Those everyday skills give the provision a clear character.

There are 39 children in the nursery, within a primary school in Mexborough that caters for children aged between 2 and 11. That nursery figure is attendance, rather than a capacity. Foundation Stage 1, labelled FS1 FEL, appears within the lower-school timetable, with Hirst Gate used for entry and collection. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 10 and 11 July 2024; this is an early years judgement within the school inspection.

Vocabulary development is a central part of the early years curriculum. In July 2024, children followed established routines readily, and staff expected high standards of behaviour. For a parent, the emphasis is on learning how to take part in a group alongside acquiring the words needed to express ideas and needs.

The early years foundation stage brings learning and personal development together here. Toothbrushing is a concrete nursery example: children learn the skill and why dental care matters as they grow. Independence is something they practise, rather than simply an ambition adults hold for them.

On the lower site, five classroom bases sit alongside a shared space for activities and intervention involving Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. A library and an outdoor unit also serve intervention groups. These are school spaces with specific support uses, rather than a promise of unrestricted nursery access. In Expressive Arts and Design, Foundation Stage assessment uses Tapestry, with age-related expectations reported to parents at the year's end.

Relationships with parents begin early. In July 2024, early years leaders established positive connections with families from the outset. Combined with children's willingness to follow routines, that gives parents a useful focus for conversations about how their child is adjusting to nursery life.

Support sits within the school's wider inclusion structure. A SENCO and an Inclusion Support Assistant provide identifiable roles for families discussing additional needs. Across the school, children receive support for communication and language difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, visual impairment, moderate learning difficulties, and emotional or mental health needs. These describe the school's support experience, rather than an individual nursery placement offer.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. New Pastures follows Doncaster Local Authority admission guidelines, and the application route is through Doncaster Council. Treat choosing a nursery session and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

FS1 FEL has morning and afternoon sessions, alongside a 30 hour place running from 8:35am to 3:25pm. Morning hours are 8:35am to 11:35am; afternoon hours are 12:25pm to 3:25pm. Hirst Gate is the entry and exit point for these arrangements.

Thursday collection. Lower school closes at 1:45pm every Thursday. That earlier finish matters when planning work and collection around an afternoon or longer nursery day.

To arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01709 583271. A visit provides an opportunity to discuss joining the nursery and see how the lower-school setting fits your family.