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Nursery at Lower Meadow 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Books, conversation and hands-on play give Lower Meadow’s nursery its character. Known as Foundation 1, it forms part of Lower Meadow Primary School on Batemoor Road in Sheffield. The early years approach puts language development alongside growing independence: adults join children’s play and help them express their ideas. This makes communication part of learning throughout the session, rather than a separate activity.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning indoors and outside, with attention to communication, early mathematics and children’s emotional and social development. In parent terms, children practise talking, exploring and managing feelings as well as developing knowledge. Books connect with topics, giving children something concrete to discuss and helping new vocabulary make sense.
Play has a planned progression. Block construction, drawing and using scissors sit alongside developing pencil control and early writing. Guidance displayed in the learning areas helps adults decide how to extend a child’s activity. Physical development includes both small hand movements and larger movements, preparing children to handle tools and move with confidence. Adults spend time playing alongside children, modelling speech and supporting conversations with friends.
British Sign Language adds a distinctive element. Children begin with familiar words and simple songs in the early years; short teaching sessions take place across the week. The curriculum was designed with a specialist Teacher of the Deaf, and includes signs linked to feelings. That gives children another way to communicate emotions and connect with peers.
In February 2025, the early years curriculum combined daily rhymes and stories with mathematics woven through ordinary activities. Adults extended children’s vocabulary, while the learning environment supported children in trying things independently and solving problems. Nursery learning also included preparatory activities for forming letters. Together, these details show how play and deliberate teaching work alongside each other.
Personal and emotional development receives explicit attention. The nursery aims to help children manage their feelings and become increasingly independent, so participation in learning includes developing the confidence to join in and communicate.
Support sits within the school’s wider SEND structure. A coordinator oversees additional help, with teaching assistants providing support and learning interventions. Half-termly coffee mornings are open to parents and carers, offering conversations with the SEND coordinator and other staff. For families with concerns about development, this provides an opportunity to discuss support directly. School communication also includes the My Child At School (MCAS) parent app and emails.
A separate application matters. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and children do not transfer automatically. Families must apply again through Sheffield City Council’s school-place application route, with the local authority allocating places.
Keep that application separate from choosing the nursery. Complete the Reception application by the applicable deadline through the normal local authority process; a nursery place does not replace it.
Two sessions give the day a clear shape: mornings run from 8.30am to 11.30am, while afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Foundation 1 uses Gate 2. Those start and finish times are the practical reference points for planning collection and other family commitments.
Nursery applications go through the school office. Return the Application for Nursery Form with your child’s Birth Certificate. For enquiries, contact enquiries@astrealowermeadow.org or telephone 0114 2372700. School visits can be arranged by appointment, giving families a chance to see the setting before deciding.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoon sessions run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Foundation 1 uses Gate 2.
Obtain an Application for Nursery Form from the school office and return it with your child’s Birth Certificate.
No. Children do not transfer automatically. A separate application must be made through Sheffield City Council, which allocates places.
The early years approach includes block construction, drawing, scissor skills and early writing, with adults supporting language and personal development. Learning takes place indoors and outside.
Yes. British Sign Language begins in the early years with simple songs and everyday words, through short sessions across the week.
