Malin Bridge Primary School Nursery

Play and planned teaching sit together in Malin Bridge’s early years provision, with physical learning beginning in its provision for two-year-olds. This is the nursery at Malin Bridge Primary School on Dykes Lane, Sheffield. Both nursery buildings have facilities and access for disabled children, a practical feature for families considering their child’s mobility and care needs.

In March 2024, Ofsted found that early years children were enthusiastic about learning and achieved well through planned activities combining adult direction with play. That combination gives children opportunities to explore as well as take part in teaching led by an adult. Play has a place alongside purposeful learning.

The early years curriculum builds knowledge and skills in a planned order, giving children foundations for their later learning. For parents, the useful distinction is that activities connect to what children will learn next rather than standing alone. Within the early years foundation stage, the emphasis is on developing those foundations through both play and guided activities.

Physical skills begin with the youngest children in the two-year-old provision and develop through a sequence. Movement therefore has a place in the learning programme from the nursery stage. Together, planned activities, play and physical development give the day its educational shape.

Adults provided a caring, welcoming atmosphere in early years in March 2024. This matters alongside the teaching: children’s willingness to learn was evident within that atmosphere, with adults supporting both play and planned activities.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), support begins in the classroom, and progress is closely monitored. Where needs are considered more significant and help from outside agencies is sought, parents and carers are invited to a review each term. That gives families a regular opportunity to discuss support when other services become involved.

Access deserves a concrete mention. Both nursery buildings have disabled access and facilities. The school also aims to work with parents and carers and involve agencies in supporting children and families, so discussion of individual needs forms part of its approach.

Parents across the school can attend SEND forums every half-term, whether or not their child is on the SEND register. Meetings happen during the school day and have different themes, with parents invited to suggest topics. Contact the SEND team at SEND@malinbridge.chorustrust.org.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Admission to Malin Bridge Primary School is determined against Sheffield City Council’s criteria, including for children with SEND. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate steps when planning ahead.

For enquiries, email enquiries@malinbridge.chorustrust.org or telephone 0114 234 1379. The school’s address is Dykes Lane, Sheffield, S6 4RH.

For family calendar planning, the school’s autumn half-term holiday runs from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026. The following teaching period begins on Monday 2 November and ends on Friday 18 December 2026. These school calendar dates help families organise commitments around the autumn break.