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Nursery at Highfield Farm 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and daily early reading activities shape nursery life at Highfield Farm Primary School. Its nursery is Foundation Stage One, with part-time entry for children aged three through termly starting points. It sits within the school’s Foundation Stage unit, where children have both an indoor classroom and an outdoor learning area.
The emphasis is on a mixture of children’s own exploration and activities guided by adults. For parents, that means looking beyond a timetable of lessons: choosing resources, talking through ideas and learning to manage independently are also part of the day.
Each day includes activities in phonics, literacy and numeracy, adjusted to children’s abilities. Topic activities extend the learning around the unit, indoors and outside. The environment changes with the half-term topic, and children’s ideas and work become part of it as the term progresses.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early communication, movement and social development with reading, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Here, children explore through play as well as taking part in adult-guided learning. Adults demonstrate skills, explain ideas and model language, giving children examples they can use in their own activities.
Independence has a practical place in the room layout. Resources are arranged so children can find equipment themselves, while separate areas allow activity, quiet time and rest. Staff use observations of children’s interests and development to plan what comes next. This connects the learning to the child rather than relying solely on the topic.
Settling begins with a taster session attended alongside a parent or carer. Children meet their peers, while adults can discuss routines and ask questions. Nursery starters also receive a book, creating an immediate opportunity for shared reading at home.
Communication continues through conversations with the teacher at either end of the day, meetings in autumn and spring, and a summer written report. Dojo carries photographs and comments about learning; families can also send home achievements to the teacher. Electronic Learning Journals record observations, photographs and examples of work.
Toileting and changing support is discussed with parents so care can reflect the child’s needs. Families supply spare clothing and are told when intimate care has been needed. For children needing additional learning support, individual education plans identify targets. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns, with the school’s SENDCo providing a further route for discussion.
School meals are cooked on site. The school’s lunch choices include vegetarian dishes, jacket potatoes and sandwiches, alongside meat options; packed lunches are also accepted. These are school-wide arrangements, so they should be distinguished from the nursery’s part-time attendance pattern.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council processes the school’s admissions; nursery familiarity should not be treated as an allocation advantage.
Transition activities involve parents before children join Foundation Stage Two. In July, children can spend a day with their new teacher, including lunchtime, to experience the full-day routine. This is preparation for a different school day, separate from securing a place.
The nursery entry arrangement is part-time, at 15 hours per week. Birthday groups determine September, January or April starts. That termly pattern matters when planning the change from home or other childcare.
Enquiries can go to office@hfp.jmat.org.uk or 01709 760538. For children with mobility difficulties, families are advised to approach the school well ahead of admission so access can be discussed. Clothing adaptations for SEND or sensory needs can be considered, and second-hand uniform is accessible through the school office.
Foundation Stage One admits children aged three through termly starting points linked to their birthday group.
The part-time arrangement is 15 hours per week.
New nursery children attend a taster session with a parent or carer, meeting other children and becoming familiar with routines.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, handled by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
Dojo provides learning photographs and comments and allows families to send achievements from home. Teacher conversations, parents’ meetings and a written report provide further opportunities to discuss progress.
