South Ossett Infant Academy Nursery Review

Stories, action rhymes and learning to listen give South Ossett Infant Academy’s nursery its character. This is the school’s Lower Foundation Stage provision, serving nursery-age children within the infant academy on Vicar Lane, Ossett. The school’s age range begins at three.

Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 5 and 6 December 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery’s clearest emphasis is on language and the habits children need to participate in learning: paying attention, expressing themselves and becoming more independent.

The morning session runs from 8.40am to 11.40am. Learning combines activities directed by adults with experiences children choose themselves. That gives children both guidance and opportunities to pursue their interests.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent terms, it brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early reading, writing and number work. Children also explore the natural world, people and communities, and creative expression. The school uses indoor and outdoor learning, alongside hands-on activities and learning areas that children can use to practise skills.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is the school’s reading programme. In nursery, the emphasis falls on preparation: sharing stories and factual books, joining in poems and action rhymes, and practising attentive listening. Oral blending activities help children hear how separate sounds come together in a word. These foundations matter before children tackle written letter-and-sound combinations.

In December 2023, early years children regularly heard stories and rhymes that developed their vocabulary. Learning also reached beyond school: visits to the local church and road-safety activities connected lessons with the surrounding community. Familiar places gave children something concrete to talk about.

Independence is taught through routines. In December 2023, children began practising the habits for moving calmly around school in early years, helping them develop maturity and confidence. Early years children also learned about healthy choices and talked about favourite vegetables and fruits.

Home communication uses the Parent Hub app, and Lower Foundation families have parents’ evenings. These provide routes for keeping in touch about children’s learning. The school also directs families to Wakefield’s Local Offer for SEND information.

Support needs. In December 2023, school-level SEND support needed closer matching to individual learning needs. Some subjects also needed more opportunities to practise earlier learning. These findings matter when discussing how teaching will be adapted for a child needing additional help.

Safeguarding records. Arrangements across the school were effective in December 2023, but records of protective actions needed greater precision so leaders could assess their impact.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Lower Foundation Stage’s morning pattern totals 15 hours. For enquiries, use the school’s contact form, email headteacher@southossett.wakefield.sch.uk or telephone 01924 274380. Visits can be arranged by calling or emailing the school, giving families a practical opportunity to look around before deciding.