Hartley Brook Primary School Nursery

Language, imaginative play and learning to share give Hartley Brook's nursery its character. Children can join the Nursery base from their third birthday, within Hartley Brook Primary School in Shiregreen, Sheffield. This is an introduction to school life built around early learning and relationships.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 11 and 12 June 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. In June 2024, children cooperated in play, shared resources and took turns successfully: useful foundations for learning alongside other children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, independence and early learning. Here, children explore shapes and numbers, develop an interest in books and writing, and express ideas through music and art. Listening to other people and communicating their own thoughts sit alongside curiosity about the world. The emphasis gives children several ways to participate, rather than making early learning solely about reading and counting.

Indoor and outdoor learning spaces support this approach. Hartley Brook sees the environment itself as part of how children learn, with freedom to explore alongside opportunities to take responsibility. Adults observe children's interests, interactions and developing skills, then use those observations to shape activities for individuals and groups and choose resources. Children's interests therefore help shape the learning offered.

In June 2024, language development was a clear strength of the early years curriculum. Activities engaged children's imaginations, while adults adapted learning when extra help was needed. For parents, the significant combination is engaging play and support that responds to a child's progress.

Support extends beyond the nursery classroom. The school's Inclusion Team works with teachers, teaching assistants and senior leaders, arranging planned interventions for children with SEND and others needing additional help. This provides a school team through which learning needs can be addressed. In early years in June 2024, adults adjusted the curriculum effectively to help children catch up.

Welfare concerns are recorded through CPOMS, which brings together pastoral, medical and safeguarding information and communication with families and outside agencies. Parents can raise concerns with staff; serious child protection concerns should go through the safeguarding team via the school office.

Food is organised at school level. The school describes its meals as balanced and prepared using fresh ingredients, with dietary needs considered. Jacket potatoes and a salad bar are daily menu options.

Separate application. Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through Sheffield City Council's school-place application service by 15 January. Nursery admission and Reception allocation are separate decisions, so securing a nursery place does not complete the later application.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am. Afternoon sessions begin at 12.15pm, with an ending of 3.00pm/3.15pm. That afternoon finish needs to be taken into account when arranging collection.

Hartley Brook handles nursery applications directly. Contact the school office on 0114 245 6882 or email HBEnquiries@astreahartleybrook.org for an application pack or nursery enquiries.