Ark Northfield Primary School Nursery

Hedgehogs and Rabbits give the nursery its own identity within Northfield’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The practical distinction for families is the session pattern: a morning or an afternoon, with the EYFS door used for entry and collection. This is nursery provision within Ark Northfield Primary School, on Northfield Lane in South Kirkby.

The current school has No Ofsted graded rating yet. That position should be kept separate from any assessment of the nursery’s daily arrangements.

Learning follows the EYFS framework, with experience and practical exploration helping children build their understanding of the world. The emphasis is on developing skills and knowledge that children can use in their next stage of education. For parents, that means considering play and practical learning alongside the beginnings of more structured teaching.

Mathematics uses a mastery approach from early years onwards. The Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract approach moves between practical materials, pictures and abstract ideas, giving children different ways to explore mathematical concepts. It makes the method of learning as relevant as the answer.

Personal and social learning uses Jigsaw across the school, beginning in EYFS. The school aims to help children understand relationships, develop emotional awareness and make safe decisions. Computing also has a named approach: Purple Mash is used from EYFS onwards, providing continuity in the tools children encounter as they progress.

Outdoor learning spaces contain animals and natural areas. The school uses these to connect learning with real situations, giving children a physical context for exploring ideas beyond the classroom. These are school facilities; they should be understood separately from a nursery session’s timetable.

The nursery team includes a nursery nurse, a teaching support assistant and SEND teaching support assistants. An assistant headteacher combines responsibility for EYFS with nursery teaching and early reading. These roles bring teaching, everyday support and additional-needs support into the nursery’s staffing structure.

The SENCo coordinates individual support, including support for children with Education, Health and Care plans. Families work with the school on their children’s needs. Learning can be adapted through adult help, changes to a task or supporting resources, so the discussion can focus on how a child will take part.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, administered centrally by Wakefield Council. Treat nursery registration and the later school application as two separate decisions.

Pontefract Academies Trust is the school’s admission body and follows Wakefield Council’s admissions policy. Registering for nursery through the school office does not replace the Council application for full-time schooling.

Morning nursery runs from 8:30 to 11:30; afternoon nursery runs from 12:15 to 15:15. Both sessions use the EYFS door for entry and collection. These times are the useful starting point when matching nursery to work or other childcare.

To register, visit the school to complete registration or telephone the office on 01977 651291. General enquiries can also go to admin@northfield.patrust.org.uk.

Breakfast Club starts at 7:30am each morning and is open to all children. Food includes toast, cereal and fruit, with water or fruit juice, and staff organise activities. The club is charged separately; contact the school for current charges.