High Hazels Nursery Infant Academy: The Oaks Nursery

Language gives The Oaks Nursery its distinctive focus: children have their speech and language assessed in Foundation Stage 1, with named programmes matched to their needs. That makes communication a concrete part of the nursery experience rather than simply an educational aim.

This is the nursery provision at High Hazels Nursery Infant Academy on Fisher Lane in Darnall, Sheffield. Entry is from age 3. Families choose a morning or afternoon place across five weekdays, giving children a regular pattern of attendance within the academy.

A session lasts from 8:30 to 11:30 in the morning, or from 12:15 to 15:15 in the afternoon. Both patterns run Monday to Friday. For parents, the practical choice is which half of the day fits family routines.

Communication support starts with the ESCAL speech and language screener. It checks vocabulary, grammar and sentence formation. Children flagged red or amber receive Play and Say; those assessed as working at the expected level receive Concept Cat. Attention Autism supports children who need help sustaining attention and concentration. These are different responses to different needs, rather than one programme for the whole group.

The academy's approach to outdoor play includes OPAL. Its playtime provision includes a mud kitchen, construction and a sandpit, with the aim of developing imaginative play, independence and cooperation. Music has a nursery-specific occasion too: Foundation Stage 1 children take part in the Winter Singalong, giving them an opportunity to share music with an audience.

In May 2023, early-years children used hand movements to help recall number sentences. The concrete link between movement and numbers gave them a way to remember recent learning.

Parents can arrange a conversation with their child's teacher at the start of the day, and consultations take place each term. Arbor provides another connection with school life through updates and access to children's information.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the academy uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review. The Director of Inclusion/SENCo coordinates provision, working with parents and professionals including speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and Fusion specialist teachers. Families raise initial concerns with the class teacher; this gives them a clear starting point for discussing support.

Children under 5 can receive school milk free. Parents order it through the office or admissions email. In May 2023, safety and welfare measures were in place specifically for the youngest children.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Sheffield City Council's coordinated admissions process.

For the past 2026 entry cycle, online applications closed at noon on 5 December 2025; the written application deadline was 15 January 2026. Those dates belong to that intake. The school can help families with the application process, but responsibility for applying to the council rests with parents.

The nursery's booking pattern is five mornings or five afternoons each week. Funded provision begins in the term after a child's third birthday: all 3- and 4-year-olds have a 15-hour entitlement, while eligible children can receive an additional 15 hours. Eligibility for the additional hours requires a government application through Government Gateway, followed by the nursery's application process and a space becoming available.

Visits can be arranged through the school office on 0114 2442189 or admissions@highhazelsacademy.org.uk. This is also the contact route for nursery enquiries.