Brinsworth Whitehill Primary School Nursery

Paint mixing, shared play and conversations about feelings give Whitehill’s early years its character. The nursery forms Foundation Stage 1, known as Bumblebees, within Brinsworth Whitehill Primary School on Howlett Drive in Brinsworth, Rotherham. The school’s provision starts at age three.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 12 and 13 July 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children understood routines and collaborated with one another, giving their learning a social foundation.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning directed by adults with activities children choose themselves, using both inside and outside spaces. Its starting points are children’s relationships, communication and physical development. Reading and writing, mathematics, exploring the world and creative work build on those foundations. For parents, this means play has a learning purpose: children explore ideas, practise persistence and work out solutions.

Practical activities become more challenging as children develop. In July 2023, children moved from using ready-mixed paint to experimenting with black and white to alter shades. This gives a concrete example of progression: an initially simple activity develops into investigation and creative choice. Early years baking in June 2023 included popcorn rocky road, bringing another hands-on experience into learning.

Emotional understanding also has a place. In February 2022, FS1 children used Glad Monster/Sad Monster to discuss what made them angry, happy or sad, then expressed feelings through their faces. A familiar story gave them something concrete to talk about.

Language development. In July 2023, adults sometimes passed over chances to extend children’s vocabulary and communication. This matters because conversation is part of learning throughout the session, as well as an area of development in its own right.

An EYFS leader, early years teachers and early years practitioners form the team structure. In July 2023, relationships between adults and children in early years were positive, and children worked together within familiar routines. Those findings offer useful reassurance about the social experience of the day.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school’s support process begins with observations and discussion with parents. Short-term targets guide support, and its impact is checked each half term. Parents therefore have a role in identifying needs and reviewing the response.

Staff training includes Tiny Talkers, speech and language screening, sensory support and Makaton/PECS. The school also works with the Speech and Language Team and Educational Psychology. Physical access arrangements include wheelchair access and disabled toilets in each building. These are school-wide arrangements relevant to planning a child’s support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. The local authority coordinates school admissions on behalf of Wickersley Partnership Trust, the admissions authority. Applications go through Rotherham’s school admissions service at www.rotherham.gov.uk/schools. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

The EYFS timetable runs from 8.45am to 3.05pm; this is the early years day rather than a nursery session booking pattern. Nursery enquiries can go to the school office at office@brinsworthwhitehill.org or on 01709 828242.

School uniform includes grey or black bottoms, a pale blue or white polo shirt and a royal blue cardigan or jumper. Logos are optional, and families can use a suitable retailer of their choice. Clothing should carry the child’s name, helping staff distinguish similar items.