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Nursery at Lacewood 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily rhymes with Makaton signs, counting games and activities from Letters and Sounds give Cherry class its own character. This is Lacewood Primary School’s nursery, also called Foundation Stage 1, in Bolton-on-Dearne. Children can join in the term following their third birthday, subject to a place being available, and attend until the September after turning four.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 27 and 28 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language gets repeated practice through play. Cherry children sing nursery rhymes daily and practise accompanying signs using Singing Hands Makaton Songs. Letters and Sounds supplies phonics activities chosen to match children’s needs and their next learning steps. The emphasis is on matching the activity to the child.
Number work has equally concrete examples. The Teddy Bear Counting Game and Underwater Counting Game develop recognition of numerals and counting objects individually. In June 2023, early years mathematics teaching used objects effectively, giving children practical ways to explore mathematical ideas. Songs, rhymes and games also helped build their language.
The Early Years Foundation Stage here includes learning how to manage emotions and become more independent, alongside language and mathematics. In June 2023, adults used encouragement and praise, while established routines helped children develop those personal skills. Cherry’s breaks are flexible rather than following the older classes’ fixed playtime pattern.
Creative learning extends beyond screens and counting games. The Foundation Stage gallery includes drawing from observation, work with loose parts and temporary sculptures made from natural materials gathered in the school grounds. These activities bring pencil control, close looking, shape and space into practical work. PurpleMash also provides activities children can complete, with assigned tasks each half term.
Settling begins before nursery starts. Foundation Stage staff arrange a home visit for new children and invite them to visit school, giving families an opportunity to meet the team before the first session.
For additional needs, parents can approach the class teacher or SENCO. Cherry’s resources include the Barnsley Speech and Language Therapy Toolkit, Elklan activities for communication development and ERIC guidance on potty training. These give families specific ways to support learning and care at home. The class page also carries newsletters.
Lunch is scheduled from 11.45am to 12.15pm for Cherry children attending across five days or two and a half days. That makes a midday meal part of those attendance patterns, rather than something families should overlook when planning the week.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and it does not appear among Lacewood’s listed admission priorities. Families must make a separate application through Barnsley’s school admissions process. Treat that application as a distinct decision, even if your child is already settled in Cherry.
The admission criteria cover a named school in a special educational needs statement or Education, Health and Care Plan, care status, siblings attending at admission and distance from school. Allocation decisions rest with the local authority. Familiarity with nursery therefore cannot replace the separate application.
The admissions arrangements describe three part-time patterns: five morning sessions, five afternoon sessions or two and a half days each week. Nursery applications use form NI, obtainable through the school office or Barnsley admissions, and completed forms go to the council’s admissions team.
Session discrepancy. The admissions page rules out a full-time 30-hour place and explains that eligible families can use their code for another 15 hours elsewhere. The timetable nevertheless includes a Cherry 30 hours entry running from 8.45am to 3.15pm. Resolve this contradiction with the school before committing to a childcare pattern.
General enquiries go to enquiries@lacewood.org.uk or 01709 887750. At collection and drop-off, families are asked to leave promptly to reduce playground congestion. Bike racks provide a practical option for journeys to school.
Children are admitted in the term after turning three, if a place is available.
Children sing rhymes daily with Makaton signs. Letters and Sounds activities are selected according to their needs and next phonics steps.
Foundation Stage staff visit new children at home and invite them for a school visit before starting.
Nursery attendance is not among the listed priorities and does not guarantee a place. A separate application through Barnsley school admissions is required.
The admissions page says full-time 30-hour places cannot be offered, but the timetable includes a Cherry 30 hours entry. Resolve the conflicting information with the school before booking.
