Acres Hill Community Primary School Nursery

Conversation gives this nursery its clearest character. Within Acres Hill Community Primary School’s early years provision, adult interaction and language development are central to learning. The nursery serves children aged three and four at the school on Mather Road in Sheffield. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good on 14 and 15 January 2025. That judgement covers early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Speech and language receive deliberate attention across early years. In January 2025, adults’ conversations with children helped them develop their communication, while regular assessments allowed staff to adjust support. For a child developing confidence with words, that connects everyday interaction with their next learning steps.

The curriculum follows EYFS Development Matters (2023). Here, the early years emphasis includes communication, with adults checking how children’s learning develops. Art brings another way to explore: Foundation Stage children take part in activities guided by adults and can also use activities prepared for them to explore independently. Experiences are revisited, giving children opportunities to practise rather than treating each activity as a finished lesson.

The school’s shared playground is accessible to wheelchair users, alongside accessible toilets and building access. These are school facilities. Nursery lunch starts at 11:45am, giving a concrete point around which the middle of the day is organised.

An early years and Key Stage One SENCo provides a contact for families with concerns about additional needs. Support begins in the classroom; where children need help involving outside agencies, parents are invited to reviews each term. The school works with Speech & Language Therapists and 0-5 SEND, providing routes for discussing communication needs beyond the classroom.

Medical care has practical requirements. Trained staff can administer medicine prescribed by a doctor once parents complete a Medical Form Agreement, with administration at an agreed time. Families must provide medical evidence for allergy records. Once an allergy is identified, the catering team can arrange an individual menu. That links a child’s dietary needs with their meal arrangements.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place or confer nursery-based priority. Parents must make a separate application through Sheffield Council. For entry in the 2026/2027 school year, the closing date was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed; it belongs to that admissions cycle.

Preparation for the next classroom is a separate matter. Children starting FS2 receive a home visit and meet their new teacher through the transition programme. Parents attend a welcome meeting, followed by a gradual transition over three days in Summer 2. These steps introduce the people and routines of school, but they do not change the admissions decision.

Free Early Learning places for three- and four-year-olds become available from the term following a child’s third birthday. Families entitled to 30-hour childcare can also access 30-hour places. Eligibility matters: the longer entitlement is conditional, rather than an automatic offer to every family.

Nursery enquiries and waiting-list requests go through the school office on 0114 2441512. Prospective families can also telephone to arrange a school visit. Family Breakfast runs from 8am to 8:30am and is open to all families, using the main office entrance. It offers a shared breakfast opportunity before the school day.