Heather Garth Primary School Academy Nursery

Wellies stay at school, indoor shoes come separately, and outdoor play continues in most weather. That practical rhythm gives Heather Garth’s nursery its character. Known as Foundation Stage 1 (FS1), it takes children aged 3 and 4 and belongs to a Foundation Stage Unit alongside Reception. Adults work across the unit, so nursery children spend their day with a shared team.

There is an important caution for families: at the Ofsted inspection on 30 and 31 March 2022, early years provision was judged Requires improvement. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision. It should shape questions about teaching and outdoor learning when considering the nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with play, exploration and activity. Language, movement and social development provide the starting points; early reading, number work, creativity and understanding the world broaden those foundations. For parents, this means looking beyond finished pictures or worksheets to how adults help children talk, investigate and try things for themselves.

Outdoor learning includes activities children can choose and tasks guided by adults. The outdoor area is used regularly, making suitable clothing part of the daily equipment rather than an occasional extra. A construction area has hosted house-building inspired by the Three Little Pigs. Storytelling becomes something children can build and explore. N2 nursery children also have PE on Mondays, with no separate kit required.

In March 2022, most early years children approached indoor tasks with calm concentration; one group explored a butterfly’s life cycle in an ordered sequence. Outdoor work had weaker organisation and educational value. Curriculum plans also lacked clear learning goals across the different areas, expectations varied between staff and were not always high enough, and support for language was inconsistent. Leaders needed to specify both the learning and vocabulary children should acquire. These concerns make the adult’s role in play especially important.

Milk and a healthy snack are included free during nursery sessions. Staff also help families continue toilet training, giving parents a direct reason to discuss care routines with the early years team. A transition video supports preparation for starting FS1.

For children with additional needs, the school uses a cycle of assessment, planning, support and review. Parents can raise concerns with their child’s teacher or contact the special educational needs coordinator through the office. Possible adjustments include visual timetables and extra time to process instructions; speech and language therapists or educational psychologists can contribute when needed. Parents participate in reviews each term, so support can respond to changes at home as well as in class.

In March 2022, early years arrangements included procedures for intimate care and staffing supervision to protect children. Leaders also acted during the inspection to remove hazards obstructing a fire exit. Routine care and the physical environment both deserve attention.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Barnsley’s local authority admissions route by the normal deadline; places are allocated centrally.

Familiarity is a separate matter. Nursery and Reception belong to the same Foundation Stage Unit, with adults working across both groups. That gives children contact with the wider early years team, but it does not secure admission. For children with SEND, support plans are passed to the next teacher, and a book explaining the move can be made when it would help.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.05pm to 3.05pm. The full-day option starts at 9am and finishes at 3.05pm. FS1 children can also attend breakfast club.

The academy manages the nursery waiting list. Contact the school on 01709 894149 to enquire and arrange a visit. Bring weather-suitable outerwear, leave wellies at school and provide separate indoor footwear, such as pumps, crocs or slippers, excluding big novelty slippers. These preparations support the movement between indoor and outdoor activities.