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Nursery at Rawmarsh Ashwood 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two classrooms, a large outdoor area and time to choose their own play give Ashwood’s nursery its character. Foundation 1, also called F1, serves children aged 3–4 within the school’s Foundation Unit in Parkgate, Rotherham. There are 30 part-time nursery places. Children register in their own classroom before moving freely between the two rooms and outside, giving them more than one space in which to explore.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 November 2023. That judgement covers early years across the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play takes up most of the learning time, with brief teaching sessions alongside activities children select themselves. Staff shape themes around children’s interests and what is happening around them. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early language and number work with physical development, creativity and learning to get along with others. Here, resources for those skills remain available for children to use during their play, rather than learning being confined to adult-led sessions.
The shared outdoor space extends those choices. An outdoor chalkboard provides a place to make marks and create pictures; F1 children used it together for artwork in July 2026. The Foundation Unit also welcomed Leanimals Mobile Zoo in June 2026, adding encounters with animals to the children’s experiences.
In November 2023, nursery children developed attention and listening successfully. Conversations and stories helped extend their vocabulary, while activities connected new learning to skills they already had. For parents, the emphasis is on foundations: listening, talking and gaining the words to explain an idea.
Each child has a key worker who watches their learning closely and gets to understand their needs. Relationships extend across the Foundation team, so that this individual attention sits alongside contact with other adults. Before children join the Foundation Unit, families have meetings and children have opportunities to visit. These offer an introduction to the people and spaces that will become familiar.
ClassDojo carries photographs and updates about learning, and families can share achievements from home through it. Stay-and-play sessions and parent workshops offer another way to take part in children’s learning.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school uses teacher observation and assessments to decide what support is needed. Parents help review individual targets. Support can include smaller learning steps, practical tasks or individual adult help. Visual timetables and Makaton support communication, and classrooms have level access. These are school-wide arrangements that can help families discuss their child’s particular needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority; Rotherham residents apply through Rotherham’s admissions service. The deadline for on-time applications for that intake is 15 January 2027.
Getting familiar with a new class is a separate matter. During class changes, the receiving teacher and teaching assistant meet children in their existing class, and staff pass on information about each child. Where additional needs call for it, extra classroom visits, transition books or social stories may be used. Familiarity supports the move, but does not determine the allocation of a place.
The F1 morning runs from 8.45am to 11.45am. This is a part-time nursery pattern, so families should plan around a morning session.
School uniform consists of a white shirt or polo shirt, grey trousers or a skirt, and a red cardigan or jumper. A school logo is optional. Ashwood Road becomes congested around the beginning and end of the school day, and parking is limited; walking is encouraged for local families. A secure cycle shelter also accommodates push scooters.
For enquiries, contact the school office at office@ashwoodprimary.org or call 01709 710847.
Foundation 1 is for children aged 3–4 and has 30 part-time places within the school’s Foundation Unit.
The F1 morning session runs from 8.45am to 11.45am.
Most learning time is spent playing and choosing activities, alongside short teaching sessions. Children can move between two classrooms and the shared outdoor area.
ClassDojo provides learning updates and photographs. Families can also join stay-and-play sessions and parent workshops.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority for September 2027 entry. A separate application is required through the home local authority, with an on-time deadline of 15 January 2027.
