Battyeford CofE (VC) Primary School Nursery

Shape games, deliberate vocabulary teaching and extra practice for developing hands give Battyeford’s early years a clear character: adult teaching is followed by activities that help children use what they have learnt. The nursery welcomes children from age three and forms part of Battyeford CofE (VC) Primary School on Nab Lane in Mirfield.

At the inspection on 9 and 10 November 2022, Ofsted found caring relationships in early years and children ready for their next learning stage. That gives parents a dated assessment of the early years experience, separate from the practical question of securing a school place.

Learning connects adult instruction with hands-on practice. In November 2022, early years activities reinforced taught ideas about shapes through a shape-finding game. Children could revisit the same idea in a different form, rather than encounter an activity disconnected from the teaching.

Vocabulary receives deliberate attention. Additional learning is also matched to individual development: children needing help with fine motor control had further chances to practise movements. This links language development and physical skills with the learning children are already doing.

Imagination has a place alongside that structure. The curriculum describes a space ship used in EYFS to spark interest. Picture books and poetry also feature from EYFS onwards, giving children different kinds of language and stories to explore.

The Battyeford Way behaviour curriculum starts in Nursery. Adults teach routines, demonstrate them and return to them across the year. Its Pocket Principles centre on safety, respect and readiness for learning. Application is adjusted for age and SEND needs, so families should understand these as school expectations adapted to the child’s stage.

Individual support has a practical framework. The school’s SEND policy uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle, with parents involved in decisions about additional SEN support. Additional Needs Plans focus on specific developmental or learning needs, and parents help set and review targets. This gives families a role in shaping support.

The school works with the Early Years SEN support service, including the Portage team. Its accessibility provision includes lifts serving all school areas, a concrete feature relevant to families with mobility needs.

For questions about a child’s learning or wellbeing, the class teacher is the first contact. Food information is organised through seasonal school menus, with the relevant menu week communicated in Battyeford News. The school lunch arrangements also allow a packed lunch on days when the menu does not suit a child’s preferences.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. The school directs applicants to Kirklees admissions and its Parent Portal; for September 2026 entry, the stated deadline was 15 January 2026, which has passed.

Transition support is a separate matter. The SEND policy provides for familiarisation visits and allows additional transition visits according to need. Those arrangements help children prepare for change; they do not secure admission.

Nursery enquiries go through the main office: telephone 01924 495518 or email office@battyefordprimary.com.

The Battyeford Way sets out school clothing expectations, including dark trousers or a grey or black skirt, a white top, school sweatshirt and black shoes. Collection has a clear safety step: children leave only after the teacher checks the collecting adult.