The Hill Primary Academy Nursery Review

Two half-day sessions give The Hill Primary Academy’s nursery a clear rhythm: a morning group and an afternoon group, with language development shaping the learning. The academy aims to give children opportunities to learn through play. Children can start in the term following their third birthday. The provision belongs to the primary academy on Tudor Street in Thurnscoe.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 4 and 5 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

The academy aims to give children opportunities to learn through play within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The academy aims to shape experiences around children’s interests and individual needs, with adults helping them explore and learn. Its outdoor environment has a specific purpose: the school sees it as a place for children to tackle problems and develop their thinking. Outdoor learning therefore forms part of the educational approach.

In May 2023, the early years curriculum combined adult-guided teaching with purposeful activities children could undertake independently. Staff understood the next learning steps for individual children. Vocabulary development was carefully planned, giving children more words with which to express ideas and understand their learning. Children participated and learned well.

Health and safety also enter early learning. EYFS learning opportunities address dental health and road safety, connecting education with practical issues children encounter beyond the classroom.

Each of the academy’s classes has a teacher alongside a teaching assistant. For families, communication includes an annual written report for nursery children. Parents’ meetings focus on setting targets in autumn, then reviewing progress in spring and summer. This gives conversations about learning a defined purpose across the year.

Additional needs are approached individually. Children receiving extra support join the SEND register, with progress monitored and parents kept involved while the school considers the help needed. Termly coffee mornings organised by the SENDCo give parents of children on that register another opportunity for contact. The Special Needs Coordinator can also be reached through the office or at SENDCO@astreathehill.org.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the academy’s admissions criteria. Families must make a separate application through Barnsley Council’s online primary admissions process by 15 January in the year their child will start school.

The admissions priorities concern an EHCP naming the academy, children who are or were looked after, siblings already attending and distance from the school. Familiarity with the academy should therefore be kept separate from the question of securing a place.

Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon session runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. These distinct sessions give families two different daily schedules to consider. Late arrivals must sign in through the main school reception.

Nursery uniform combines a white polo shirt or blouse with black trousers, shorts, a skirt or a pinafore, plain black footwear and an Astrea logo cardigan or sweatshirt. The logo garments can be ordered through school.

For enquiries, contact the office on 01709 892145 or email admin@astreathehill.org. School visits can be arranged by appointment through the office team, giving families a chance to look around before applying.