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Nursery at Gooseacre Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Puppets, familiar stories and growing independence give Gooseacre’s early years its character. The nursery belongs to Gooseacre Primary Academy in Thurnscoe, with provision that includes two-year-olds. This is an early start within a primary school, with language and learning routines central to children’s experience.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 11 and 12 March 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Here, its practical expression includes using puppets and play to retell stories children already know. Vocabulary gets attention from the beginning: these activities give children something familiar to talk about while extending the language they use.
In March 2025, skilled early years practitioners demonstrated the behaviour they expected, helping children establish learning routines and become more independent. That makes learning how to take part an important part of the day, alongside developing language.
The early years learning space was thoughtfully organised, and children showed curiosity and applied themselves to their activities. Together, the organisation of the environment and the adults’ expectations supported children’s readiness for later learning. The emphasis is on building foundations through what children do and how they participate.
Contact with adults extends beyond formal progress meetings. Class teachers are available at classroom doors each day, and parents can send messages through Dojo. For a concern needing a longer conversation, the school asks families to arrange a meeting with the class teacher early; discussions are preferred at the end of the school day.
Nursery children receive a written report at the end of the year. Autumn parents’ evenings focus on targets, while spring meetings review progress, giving families opportunities to discuss both the next steps and what has changed.
For children needing additional learning support, the school monitors progress and maintains contact with parents. Its approach recognises that support may be needed briefly or over a longer period. A family support team also helps with daily routines, attendance and access to other services.
The school says its daily meals use fresh ingredients, with choices accommodating different dietary needs and tastes. Families must register allergies and relevant medical conditions. Prescribed medicines require a completed form and their original, clearly labelled container, so care arrangements need preparation before medication is brought in.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline.
For September 2024 entry, applications went through Barnsley Council using the local authority’s application form. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions: attending nursery should not be taken as securing the next place.
The academy is on Gooseacre Avenue, Thurnscoe, Rotherham, S63 0NU. General enquiries go to the academy office on 01709 893569; email contact is info@astreagooseacre.org.
Families considering the academy can arrange an appointment to look around. A visit provides a practical opportunity to discuss the child’s needs alongside seeing the setting.
Yes. Gooseacre’s early years provision includes two-year-olds.
Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Early years activities include retelling familiar stories using puppets and play, with an emphasis on vocabulary.
Nursery children receive an end-of-year written report. Parents’ evenings take place in autumn and spring, and class teachers are available at classroom doors daily. Messages can also be sent through Dojo.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline.
Yes. Families considering the academy can contact it to arrange an appointment to look around. The office telephone number is 01709 893569.
