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Nursery at Dore 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Most of the day outdoors: that is the defining feature of Dore Pre-School. Its Forest School approach gives children room to pursue their interests in the school grounds, with waterproofs and practical footwear essential kit. This is a choice for families who want outdoor exploration to shape the nursery day.
There are 26 places for children aged 3 and 4, within Dore Primary School's grounds in Sheffield. The school site includes woodland and green space. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 18 and 19 March 2025; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children can choose interests to explore alone or alongside others, with adults supporting their investigations. The pre-school uses Forest School to explore its values of resourcefulness, kindness, resilience and creativity. Those values give a social purpose to the outdoor emphasis: children have opportunities to make choices and work together.
Outdoor learning extends into the surrounding community, with local walks beginning in the Foundation Stage. Across the school, Forest School activities include den construction, nature investigations and crafts using natural materials. Activities are chosen to suit participants' experience and ability, so these are examples of the approach rather than a fixed nursery timetable.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) also includes experiences with technology, both working devices and items used in pretend play. Books have a daily place: every class has story time, and the pre-school has its own Reading Spine within the school's selection of nine books per year group. Reading corners provide a physical space for books in each classroom.
In March 2025, early years staff chose activities carefully and checked children's understanding. Learning new vocabulary was a clear focus. For parents, that means exploration sits alongside deliberate attention to language and what children are learning.
Children in early years settled promptly in March 2025. Staff with appropriate training were assigned to children requiring extra help, supporting participation in learning.
SEND support. The same inspection identified a concern across the wider school: support for some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities did not fit their needs closely enough, limiting staff's ability to adjust learning. Families should discuss how their child's needs will be identified and activities adapted.
Parent Hub is the school's app for communication with parents, giving families a shared channel for school messages.
Attending Dore Pre-School does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Sheffield City Council manages school admissions; the school cannot influence allocations. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
Core provision runs from 8:30am to 3:15pm during school terms. The pre-school closes for bank holidays and staff training days, so families need other care arrangements for those dates.
Breakfast Club starts at 7:30am, while After School provision extends care to 5:30pm. Both involve an additional charge; contact the school for current charges. Warm layers, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear support the pre-school's outdoor routine.
To register interest, complete the Expression of Interest form and contact the school office for enquiries. General enquiries can be emailed to enquiries@dore.sheffield.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged through the office.
The pre-school has 26 places for children aged 3 and 4.
The majority of the day is outdoors, following a Forest School approach. Children need warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.
Core hours are 8:30am to 3:15pm in term time. Breakfast Club begins at 7:30am and After School provision runs until 5:30pm, both at an extra charge. The pre-school closes on staff training days and bank holidays.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Sheffield City Council's admissions process.
Complete the Expression of Interest form and contact the school office. General enquiries can be sent to enquiries@dore.sheffield.sch.uk.
