Monteney Primary School Nursery Review

Care, guided discovery and ambitious goals give Monteney’s nursery its stated direction. The nursery aims to help children feel cared for through everyday interactions, draw them into learning and encourage them to work towards goals. This is the school’s Foundation Stage 1 provision, on Monteney Crescent in Sheffield.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 28 and 29 March 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Its most useful detail for parents is the combination of language development, early mathematics and learning activities that sustained children’s interest.

Language has a clear place in nursery learning. Phonics begins here, with Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised used by the school. Children begin learning how letters relate to sounds, giving early reading a structured starting point. Speaking and listening also receive emphasis, connecting the sounds children learn with their ability to express themselves.

In March 2023, children across early years sustained their attention and showed curiosity in their activities. Adults helped extend their vocabulary and communication. Mathematical ideas were revisited through planned opportunities, giving children time to practise rather than encounter a concept just once.

The early years foundation stage brings these beginnings together across different areas of learning. In March 2023, children learned successfully across those areas, and the curriculum equipped them for their next educational stage. Nursery’s emphasis on guided discovery sits alongside this: the stated aim is to draw children into learning while keeping goals and expectations clear.

Starting nursery is gradual. Staff make home visits so they can meet children in familiar surroundings. Start times are then spread over a short settling period. That gives families a staged introduction to the new routine.

Snack time also carries learning. In March 2023, early years adults used it to discuss fruit, health and looking after teeth, linking everyday eating with practical self-care.

The school’s SENCo belongs to the senior leadership team and can be contacted through the school to arrange a meeting. Monteney aims to work with families and other adults to support children’s individual needs. For concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, families are asked to tell an appropriate staff member promptly.

Attending Monteney’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. For Reception entry, parents obtain the primary admissions guide from the Primary Admissions Team; nursery applications go through the school office or the nursery application form. Treat these as two distinct steps when planning ahead.

Nursery opening hours are 8:45am to 3:15pm. Applications, enquiries and appointments to visit are handled by the school office. Contact enquiries@monteney.sheffield.sch.uk or telephone 0114 246 7916; the office opens from 8am to 4pm.

Monteney’s dress code applies to children attending the school, but clothing does not need to carry its logo. Families therefore have flexibility over where they obtain uniform.