Brampton Ellis CofE Primary School Nursery Review

At the July 2024 inspection, hoops to step through and a building site for construction gave nursery learning a practical, hands-on character. Brampton Ellis CofE Primary School’s Foundation Stage 1 provision takes children aged 3 to 4 and sits on the school’s Key Stage 1 site. The emphasis is on learning through doing, with independence developing alongside physical skills and early mathematics.

At the Ofsted inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Nursery children were becoming independent quickly, supported by warm relationships with adults: a useful combination for children beginning school life.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines exploration, persistence and children developing their own ideas. Here, the nursery’s approach gives children opportunities to investigate, try things and return to a challenge. Adults respond to individual interests and needs, helping children extend their learning rather than treating development as a single timetable everyone must follow.

Tiny Talkers is the speech and language programme used in Foundation Stage 1. Its focus on vocabulary and language gives conversation a specific place in learning, with resources for parents as well as staff. Zones of Regulation supports children in expressing emotions, giving them a way to talk about feelings alongside their classroom experiences.

Physical learning has concrete examples. In July 2024, adults used hoops for children to step through, while the building site supplied materials and objects for construction. These activities connect movement and making with the development of physical and construction skills. Early mathematics was also carefully sequenced around children’s needs. Reading areas in the early years classrooms provided a dedicated place for books, bringing quieter learning into the mix.

Warm adult relationships were a feature of nursery care in July 2024. The nursery also aims to develop confidence and independence through the school’s values of responsibility, respect and resilience. Partnership with parents includes sharing experiences between home and school, helping adults understand children across both settings.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school uses a cycle of assessment, planning, support and review. Teachers contact parents when they believe an intervention would help. Support can involve a learning mentor, teaching assistants or the speech and language team, so the response can draw on different roles according to the child’s needs.

Behaviour across the school. In July 2024, behaviour management was inconsistent and new systems needed firmer implementation; some pupils and parents were upset by behaviour that was not adequately addressed. At the same July 2024 inspection, some pupils reported discriminatory and derogatory language during playtimes and beyond school. Leaders knew about these incidents and aimed to reduce them. These findings concerned the whole school rather than nursery specifically. Families should keep that distinction in mind alongside the positive early years findings.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and there is no automatic transfer. Parents must make a separate application through Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, using its online application route or a postal Common Application Form. The normal closing date is 15 January.

An Additional Information for Church of England Form is also required as part of the application. Treat the nursery place and the Reception application as separate decisions: familiarity with the school does not remove the need to apply again.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, with afternoons from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday. A 30-hour weekly option is offered for eligible children. These patterns give families a clear choice between a morning or afternoon session and the longer weekly entitlement where eligibility applies.

Nursery enquiries go directly to the school office, either by telephone or through the Nursery Application Form. School tours can be booked by appointment. For current additional nursery charges, refer to the school.

Uniform can be plain or carry the school logo, so branded clothing is optional. Clothes should be labelled with the child’s name to help misplaced items find their way back.