Laughton Junior and Infant School Nursery

Chinese dragon puppets and buckets used to explore weight give a concrete picture of early learning at Laughton Junior and Infant School. In January 2023, nursery children were keen to share their creations, while familiar routines helped them make a positive start. This is nursery provision within the school in Laughton-en-le-Morthen.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 25 and 26 January 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language grows out of practical activity. In January 2023, adults helped children compare weight as they filled buckets, introducing the vocabulary of lighter and heavier. The task connected a mathematical idea to something children could handle and discuss. Chinese dragon puppets provided another example of topic work that children wanted to talk about.

The curriculum includes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The school aims to encourage questioning, problem-solving and reflection: in parent language, children are encouraged to think about what they are doing and explain their ideas. Its aims also include building resilience and listening to different views.

Curriculum detail. In January 2023, planning for early years English and mathematics was developed more fully than planning for other learning areas. The intended knowledge in those other areas needed greater precision, and some activities did not build new skills or understanding. For families, the important distinction is between an engaging activity and one with a clear learning purpose.

Familiar adults mattered in the January 2023 early years findings. Staff understood the children, and relationships between them were positive. Adults also demonstrated language effectively, connecting conversation with learning. That combination gives parents a useful picture of support through everyday interaction.

Across the school, additional support is matched to a child's needs. Children with additional educational needs remain with their class wherever possible, with teaching-assistant support individually or in small groups. Individual Education Plans or support plans give children specific targets, with parents involved alongside the class teacher and SEND coordinator. Speech and Language Therapists, Autism Support and Fusion Learning Support Service are among the specialist partners, bringing different expertise to assessment.

School meals have four choices each day and menus rotate over three weeks. For a child with allergies, the office arranges a discussion with the family and catering team to adapt the menu and create an allergy plan. This makes dietary needs a shared planning task.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. Applications go through Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's Children and Young People's Services; for children living in Rotherham, the closing date is 15 January before they start primary school. Treat this application as a separate step from choosing the nursery.

The office handles general enquiries by telephone on 01909 550477 or email at school@lji.jmat.org.uk. Families can also contact the school to arrange a school visit.

The school dress code combines grey or black bottoms with a white top and red sweatshirt or cardigan. A school logo is optional. Black footwear needs secure fastenings, making practicality part of the clothing requirements. Second-hand uniform can be requested through school staff, and individual clothing adaptations are considered for children with sensory difficulties or SEND.