Anston Hillcrest Primary School Nursery

Paint, construction and songs give Anston Hillcrest’s early years its character: children learn through activities and conversation with adults. Caterpillars is the school’s Foundation Stage 1 nursery class in South Anston, with attendance on a part-time basis.

At the Ofsted inspection on 18 and 19 March 2025, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The practical appeal is a start within the school, with learning and care considered together.

Construction, painting and making marks are among the activities children enjoy in early years. These give parents a concrete picture of learning: children explore materials and engage with adults, rather than learning only through formal instruction. In March 2025, children readily approached staff and sought help when they needed it. Adult interaction matters here.

Language learning includes stories and songs, which help children pick up vocabulary. Early years children also start learning reading sounds when they begin school. Together, these activities connect spoken language with the beginnings of reading, giving families specific aspects of learning to recognise in their child’s experience.

Reading support. In March 2025, some pupils across the school received reading help that was not consistently appropriate or timely. This was a school-level concern, rather than a finding confined to nursery children, but it makes the timing of reading support a relevant consideration for families.

In March 2025, early years children received good care and support. Relationships between staff and families helped children settle into school life, while children’s willingness to approach adults showed that they could seek assistance. For parents, that combination matters: settling involves both the child’s relationship with staff and the connection between home and school.

The school’s SEND arrangements include early identification, support plans and targets tailored to each child. Support depends on individual needs. Children receiving additional educational help stay within their class, with teaching assistants providing individual assistance or work in small groups. This gives support a place within ordinary class life.

Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists and Autism specialists are among the external professionals working with the school. Where needs require support beyond its own resources, the school involves professionals in assessment and can help with an Education, Health, and Care Plan application. Families can contact the SENCO through the school office, providing a direct route into discussion about their child’s needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.

For the 2026 admissions cycle, applications went through Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Children and Young People’s Services, with a deadline of 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Families living outside Rotherham are directed to their own local admissions team for advice. Keep the nursery application and the later school-place application as separate tasks.

To apply for the part-time nursery class, contact the school and complete the nursery application form to join its admissions list. Places are allocated using Rotherham schools’ admissions criteria. Staff contact families at the start of the summer term preceding the school year in which their child is due to begin.

The school is on Hawthorne Avenue, South Anston, Sheffield, S25 5GR. Nursery enquiries can be made by telephone on 01909 550022 or by email to school@anstonhillcrest.org.