Rockingham Junior and Infant School Nursery Review

Purposeful activities and quickly established routines characterised Rockingham’s early years at the September 2022 inspection. The nursery provision belongs to Rockingham Junior and Infant School in Rotherham, with Foundation Stage 1 offering part-time morning or afternoon places. This gives families a session-based starting point within the school.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 21 and 22 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

At that inspection, learning was shaped around children’s individual needs. In September 2022, early years activities were planned to suit individual needs, and children remained absorbed in them for sustained periods. Staff checked children’s understanding to spot those needing further help. For parents, the useful combination is time to become engrossed and adult attention to what each child needs next.

Stories, movement and practical exploration provide concrete examples of the learning. In February 2021, Foundation Stage 1 used Squiggle While You Wiggle and dress-up Dough Disco during activities about mental health. These brought movement and self-expression into the same experience.

Outdoor exploration has included a water tray: in July 2022, REY children investigated water balloons outside. More recently, January 2026 activities involving F1/2 included sinking and floating, making gingerbread men and learning about shapes. These examples connect early learning with things children can handle, make and investigate.

Support has a defined route. Across the school, staff work with the special educational needs coordinator through the Willow Tree Academy graduated response, using an Early Identification Form to record strengths, needs and support already tried. Parents’ consent is sought before a child joins the SEND or additional needs register. This gives families a role in decisions about additional provision.

An Individual Development Plan sets personal targets for each child on the SEN register. Children with special educational needs have three review meetings each year involving parents and the child, so progress and the next targets can be discussed together. Specialist input can include the Autism Communication Team, Learning Support Services and an Educational Psychologist.

A school sensory room gives all children access to a calming space, including support for sensory needs. Medical needs have a separate process: care plans are prepared with the school nurse and parents or carers, then discussed with the staff involved. Medicines require parental agreement and a signed consent form. These arrangements make individual care needs part of staff planning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process. Rotherham Local Authority contacts families to ask for their school preference; choosing the nursery should therefore remain a separate decision from choosing a Reception school.

Applications for Foundation Stage 1 go directly to the school. Successful applicants are allocated a part-time place in either an afternoon or morning session, so families should plan around the allocated pattern.

Visits can be arranged by calling 01709 740266. Office staff book an appointment, and the visit provides an opportunity to look around and discuss questions before applying.