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Nursery at Wickersley Northfield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Butterfly lifecycles, animal encounters and daily phonics give Foundation 1 its character at Wickersley Northfield. This is the school's nursery provision, with entry from age three, on Northfield Lane in Wickersley. A Foundation 1 teacher sits within the wider early years team, which also has an EYFS lead. Children begin their education within the primary school, while nursery and Reception places remain separate decisions.
Reading starts with preparation rather than a rush into formal decoding. Little Wandle provides the phonics approach: Foundation 1 introduces Phase 1 through Foundations for Phonics, and phonics takes place daily across early years. For parents, the emphasis is on the beginning skills that support later reading. In March 2023, Ofsted found that nursery children were developing those preparatory skills; across early years, established behaviour routines helped children engage with learning.
A Foundation 1 topic called Going Wild! brings together animals from different countries and the butterfly lifecycle. Its core texts include The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Forest, with an animal visit from Lion Learners planned alongside the topic. Books and real creatures give children different ways to explore the same subject.
The school treats the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as the beginning of children's school education, aiming to develop curiosity and positive learning habits. Shared books also have a daily place: class texts are read aloud at day's end, giving children stories to discuss together.
For children staying all day, lunch can be a meal bought from school or a healthy packed lunch. Dolce cooks school meals on the premises, and families order through School Grid. Parents can block dishes containing allergens and record dietary details for catering staff. That makes meal selection a practical part of planning the day.
Two school SENCOs provide a contact route for families seeking additional support. Meetings or telephone appointments can be arranged through senco@wnp.wwpat.org. Routine messages reach parents through Google Classroom, email and Arbor.
Communication and safeguarding. In March 2023, some parents wanted communication with leaders to improve. Safeguarding concerns at school level included missed training for some staff and delays in training new governors. These are relevant questions for families assessing how concerns are handled, rather than nursery-specific judgements.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Children do not move automatically into the attached school: parents must submit a separate application. The normal application uses the home local authority's form; Rotherham families apply through the council's Education Admissions Office, and the local authority sends the offer. Treat this as a fresh application, separate from choosing nursery sessions.
Eligible children can take funded places under the 2026–27 arrangements. The 15-hour option is either a morning session, 8:30am to 11:30am, or an afternoon session, 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The 30-hour place runs from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Families using that full-day option may buy an extra childcare hour, extending the finish to 3:30pm.
Funded provision carries no compulsory charges. Extra childcare and school lunches are optional purchases; contributions towards visits or special activities are voluntary. Ask the school for current charges when choosing extras.
Uniform combines burgundy sweatshirts or cardigans with light blue polo shirts and navy bottoms. Plain versions of the tops are accepted, and a pre-loved uniform rail stands in the school reception. Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 01709 543704 or enquiries@wnp.wwpat.org.
The school's nursery provision starts from age three and is known as Foundation 1.
The 15-hour options are 8:30am to 11:30am or 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Eligible children with a 30-hour place attend from 8:30am to 2:30pm, with optional additional childcare until 3:30pm.
No. Parents must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority route; nursery children do not transfer automatically.
Yes. Children attending a full-day place can bring a healthy packed lunch instead of buying a school meal.
The school's two SENCOs can arrange a meeting or telephone appointment. Contact senco@wnp.wwpat.org or call 01709 543704.
