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Nursery at St Helen's CE Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A Friday rhyme shared with parents gives F1 Seedlings a distinctive thread between nursery and home. This is the nursery at St Helen's CE Primary School in Hemsworth, with 24 places and a morning-only pattern. Children can start in the term following their third birthday; April-born children start in September, not after Easter, regardless of when Easter falls. The school describes its early years ethos as Christian, with an emphasis on children developing independence and curiosity.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 February 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Nursery teaching then emphasised considerate behaviour and good manners from children's first days.
Play and teaching work together here. Continuous provision gives children opportunities to revisit skills through activities, independently or alongside friends and adults. Staff combine teaching to the class and smaller groups with support during play, using observations to decide the next learning steps. There are daily maths teaching sessions in F1, so learning through play also has a deliberate teaching structure.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development and relationships with early literacy, maths, creative expression and exploration of the world. In parent terms, that means conversation, movement and learning to get along sit alongside stories, numbers and making things. Vocabulary support includes I CAN Chatting with Children.
Construction and creative areas give learning a practical outlet. In February 2023, children used counting and measurement successfully in these spaces, with opportunities to practise learning both indoors and outside. Nursery art includes making patterns with natural materials and experimenting with pencil marks. Children also explore printing and collage. These activities give them concrete ways to investigate shape, texture and how materials behave.
Settling starts before the nursery place begins. FEET (Families enjoying everything together) sessions bring pre-nursery children and parents into the classroom to meet teachers and become familiar with the space. Stay and play sessions, parent workshops and Bedtime Story sessions provide further opportunities for families to participate. F1 parents are invited in each Friday for the weekly rhyme celebration, giving them a regular connection with nursery learning.
In February 2023, staff's knowledge of nursery children helped them tailor support to individual needs, while adult conversations allowed children time to consider their learning. For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school's support process involves families in setting targets through a Supporting Me to Learn Plan. Assessments are reviewed at least every 8 weeks. Parents can contact the SEND coordinator through Class Dojo or by ringing the school office, making the first step straightforward.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2027, and nursery attendance carries no oversubscription priority. Choosing Seedlings therefore remains a decision about the nursery experience, with Reception requiring its own application.
Transition support is separate from allocation. Parents can meet the new teachers and see their child's next learning space when children move to F2. This helps families prepare for the change; it does not determine admission.
The nursery runs from 8.45 am to 11.45 am daily, totalling 15 hours per week, with a maximum of 24 universal places. Applications go directly to the school, and forms can be obtained from the office. Parents are asked to collect promptly at the session's end. The morning finish is a decisive consideration when planning childcare around work.
Early years uniform includes a royal blue cardigan or jumper, a white shirt or polo and grey bottoms; footwear should be plain black and flat. The school also runs a swap shop for pre-loved uniform. For nursery enquiries, contact the office on 01977 617955 or email office@sthelens.enhanceacad.org.uk.
Children can be admitted in the term after their third birthday; April-born children start in September, not after Easter, regardless of when Easter falls.
Morning sessions run daily from 8.45 am to 11.45 am, totalling 15 hours per week.
FEET sessions let pre-nursery children and parents meet teachers and become familiar with the classroom. Families can also participate in stay and play sessions.
For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives no oversubscription priority and does not guarantee admission. A separate home local authority application is required by 15 January 2027.
Apply directly to the school using its nursery application form, which can be obtained from the school office.
