Old Bank Academy Nursery Review

Play, conversation and shared stories shape the nursery at Old Bank Academy in Mirfield. This is provision for three-year-olds within the school’s early years setting, with qualified teachers and early years practitioners leading the team. The nursery aims to develop independence and confidence through play and relationships, rather than making the session a succession of formal lessons.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 1 and 2 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Adults join children’s play and respond to what they are doing, introducing teaching as opportunities arise. At intervals, children gather for songs, stories and conversation with an adult. This gives the session a balance between children pursuing their own interests and spending time together as a group. Speaking and listening are the nursery’s preparation for learning to read.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development. In parent terms, these include movement, relationships and communication alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and exploring the world. Old Bank’s approach is based on play: children learn with friends, independently and alongside adults, practising language and social skills as they go.

In May 2024, early years children retold The Very Hungry Caterpillar enthusiastically. A curiosity table brought together objects and books about seed development, connecting stories and investigation with learning about life cycles.

The i-Can Milestones programme adds practical independence to that picture. Suggested activities include fastening a coat, pouring a drink and taking turns. These give families concrete ways to practise everyday skills at home, linking confidence with tasks a young child can gradually manage for themselves.

The early years team includes staff with qualifications in paediatric first aid, food hygiene, and speech and language. A qualified speech and language therapist also works with the setting and regularly supports children in early years. For a child needing help with communication, that provides specialist input alongside classroom support.

Families can discuss additional needs with the class teacher and SEND coordinator. School support can involve adapting activities, changing the physical surroundings or adjusting adult help to suit the child. Parents have formal opportunities for feedback three times a year, can request another meeting, and can receive a brief update at collection. Every nursery child receives a snack free of charge.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and children do not move across automatically. A separate application is required through the home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027; the local authority sends the allocation decision to parents.

Attendance at the nursery does not confer Reception priority under the 2027–28 arrangements. Families should therefore treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as separate decisions. Practising independence through i-Can Milestones prepares children for school life, but it gives no admissions advantage.

The 15-hour entitlement for three-year-olds is offered as five morning sessions each week, Monday to Friday, from 8.50am to 11.50am. That is a regular morning pattern for families to plan around.

Visits can be arranged through the school. For nursery enquiries or to organise a visit, contact the office on 01924 495790 or email OBA-office@oldbankacademy.co.uk. The setting is on Taylor Hall Lane, Mirfield, WF14 0HW.