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Nursery at Birley Spa Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories retold through play and seasonal discoveries in outdoor classrooms give Birley Spa’s nursery its character. The school uses the Curiosity Approach in its early years provision, combining adult encouragement with children’s questions and exploration. This is a school nursery for children aged 3-4 in Hackenthorpe, Sheffield, with qualified early years staff teaching structured activities.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 22 and 23 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the academy; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning here brings together physical development, creativity, early mathematics, literacy and communication. The nursery aims to build confidence through structured experiences across these areas. Its Curiosity Approach gives exploration a central role: adults prompt interest, demonstrate ideas and use questions to encourage children to think further. The school is working towards accreditation for this approach, rather than holding it already.
Books give that exploration a starting point. Staff choose stories to introduce vocabulary and experiences, and children revisit fictional worlds in their play. Retelling a story becomes a reason to talk, imagine and share ideas. Outdoor classrooms and the wider grounds extend learning beyond the indoor space, with daily opportunities to notice how the natural environment changes through the seasons.
Practical experiences also connect learning with the world beyond school. During an Aspire Day, Little City Sheffield ran an EYFS workshop in which children tried roles including builders, shop assistants, hairdressers and bakers. This was a specific event, giving children occupations to explore through imaginative play.
In November 2023, language development was a clear early years priority. Mathematics teaching supported children’s understanding of number patterns and their recall of number facts. Children used both indoor and outdoor learning areas and developed independence and curiosity. Together, these findings support the emphasis on talking, exploring and making connections.
Settling into routines was a positive feature of early years in November 2023: children became familiar with expectations quickly. Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities was also effective in early years at that time.
Language support includes LEAP, the Language Enrichment Activity Programme, for EYFS children with delayed or impaired speech. Across the academy, SEND support follows an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, allowing staff to adjust provision as they understand a child’s needs. Parents are involved in decisions about support and invited to termly reviews. An EYFS/KS1 SEND lead forms part of the team, alongside an EYFS safeguarding lead.
Birley Spa is nut-free. For medication needed during school hours, parents must take it to the office and complete a permission form; children must not carry it themselves. That gives families a clear handover process for medical care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority in allocation. Families must make a separate Reception application through Sheffield City Council, with a deadline of 15 January. Treat that application as a distinct step, even when your child already attends the nursery.
Transition support is separate from allocation. For children with SEND moving between classes, staff share support plans and hold a planning meeting with the next teacher. Depending on the child’s needs, a classroom visit can be arranged, and a photograph book of the new room and teachers can help make the change familiar at home.
Funded nursery places of 15 and 30 hours are offered from age 4. Keep that age condition in mind alongside the nursery’s broader 3-4 age range.
Families can arrange a nursery visit by calling 0114 239 9106. The academy is on Jermyn Crescent, Sheffield, S12 4QE. Its single-storey building has no internal steps, and a ramp links the pedestrian gate with the school entrance, useful physical details for families considering access.
The nursery welcomes children aged 3-4.
The school offers 15 and 30 hours of funded nursery places from age 4.
The Curiosity Approach combines exploration with adult prompts and questions. Stories, play and outdoor learning support language and understanding.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or confer priority. A separate application through Sheffield City Council is required by 15 January.
Yes. Call 0114 239 9106 to arrange a nursery visit.
