Trinity Croft CofE Primary Academy Nursery Review

Bear masks, leaf rubbings and handprint flowers give Tiger Cubs its character: this is a nursery where children make things with paint, collage and materials they have collected. It forms Foundation Stage 1 at Trinity Croft CofE Primary Academy on Dalton Lane, in Dalton Parva, Rotherham. Children can join from the day after their third birthday, subject to a place being available.

The Church of England setting also shapes early learning. Prayer and reflection spaces give children somewhere to explore beliefs, while the early years approach includes recognising each child's religion, culture and identity.

Play and adult teaching work together indoors and outside. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently, alongside early reading, number, creativity and understanding the world. Children's interests help shape activities. The aim is practical independence: exploring, trying ideas and solving problems.

Cornerstones provides the curriculum approach from nursery onwards. Creative work makes that tangible. Tiger Cubs have painted and collaged bear masks, gathered autumn leaves for hedgehog pictures and made leaf rubbings. These activities give children different ways to handle materials and represent what they notice. Mark making is available throughout the foundation stage's ongoing play provision, so early writing has a place beyond a single lesson.

Stories extend beyond the classroom. In May 2023, Ofsted found that early years books were selected to encourage enthusiasm for stories, and children visited the local library, becoming members with access to books for home. That connects nursery reading with something families can continue together. Read, Write, Inc. is the school's approach to early phonics, reading and writing; workshops and stay-and-play demonstrations help parents support reading at home.

Relationships with key workers are part of the early years approach, and F1 has early years teaching assistant support. Staff observe children's development and use what they learn to plan subsequent activities. Families contribute to assessment judgements, giving home experience a place in decisions about learning.

Dojo, email and an open-door approach provide routes for communication. For children needing additional support, the school's SENDCo can be contacted through the office. Individual Education Plans may be used to set manageable targets, with plans shared at review meetings or open evenings. Parents can discuss these plans at review meetings or open evenings.

Food fits the length of the session. Early years provision includes snacks and lunches, and nursery children staying across lunchtime can have a school meal. Nursery meals carry a charge. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Rotherham Council, following the normal Reception application process and deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions.

The curriculum is sequenced from nursery onwards, providing continuity in learning. That educational connection does not secure admission to the next class.

The 15-hour funded pattern runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the 30-hour funded pattern runs from 8:30am to 3pm. Fifteen hours of free early education are offered to all children from the term after their third birthday, while 30 hours depend on family eligibility. A chargeable full-day session is also offered. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery enquiries and applications go directly to the school office on 01709 850570. Families can request an application form or arrange a visit. Applications can be made at any age, with children placed on a waiting list; the school contacts families in the term before the expected start to arrange admission.