Owler Brook Primary School Nursery Review

Story sacks, hospital role play and outdoor construction give Owler Brook’s nursery a character built around language and practical play. Children can start from three, and the provision accommodates 104 part-time children. Known as FS1, it is the school’s nursery on Wensley Street in Sheffield.

The nursery occupies a separate modern building rather than classrooms in the main school block. Its learning spaces extend indoors and outside, giving children different settings for conversation, exploration and making things.

Language runs through the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early learning and children’s personal development: here, conversation, friendships and listening sit alongside the beginnings of reading, writing and maths. Topics respond to children’s interests as well as their vocabulary needs, with adults directing some activities and children choosing others. Building Learning Power also connects the approach to how children explore, persist and develop ideas.

Stories become things to do. Hospital role play gives children opportunities to dress themselves and develop shared games; outdoors, moving blocks and large planks calls for teamwork. Planting in the FS garden introduces caring for living things, while cooking and baking give children practical experiences of food and change.

Early reading starts with listening closely to sounds, recognising rhyme and hearing syllables. Read Write Inc introduces blending and separating spoken sounds, with letter sounds introduced when children are ready. Maths is equally practical: children work out how many bowls a breakfast table needs and use shapes to construct houses. These activities connect language and number to familiar situations.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that early-years children were developing communication well through songs, rhymes and stories, with staff extending vocabulary during everyday exchanges. That gives the emphasis on talk a clear educational purpose.

Families have several ways to take part. Nursery bookbags go home on Fridays, story sacks are lent during the week, and workshops take place each half term. Staff share children’s Learning Journey books and welcome conversations with parents, so learning at home can connect with nursery activities.

Care routines include helping children become more independent with handwashing and toileting. Children still using nappies start with a signed nappy agreement. The Foundation Stage team includes teaching assistants, a nursery teacher and Roma translation support, providing a practical link for families who need that language support.

For additional needs, Foundation Stage entry includes ESCAL / LEAP language screening. Referrals can involve the 0-5 SEND Service, with parental consent sought before outside agencies become involved. Parents of children receiving SEND support are invited to termly reviews with the class teacher and SENCO.

Breakfast includes toast or a bagel through the National Schools Breakfast Scheme, and milk is free for children under five. The school’s lunch service includes Chartwells meals and Halal options. Families should discuss allergies when completing the nursery application.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application to Sheffield City Council, online or by post, with applications due by 15 January for the following academic year. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

Within school, children spend the end of the school year with their next teacher in their new classroom during July. Children with SEND may have extra classroom visits and an individual Transition Book where appropriate. Familiarity supports the change of class; it does not secure admission.

Session preferences include AM, PM and two patterns of 2.5 days. There is also a 30 Hours option requiring an eligibility code. Afternoon nursery runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm.

Visits are arranged individually with parents and children. Contact the office on 0114 243 8611 or email enquiries@owlerbrookprimary.co.uk; nursery applications can be posted or handed to the office. Uniform uses a white or gold polo shirt with a green cardigan or sweatshirt, and clothing should carry the child’s name.

Attendance. In July 2024, persistent absence remained a significant concern across the school because children were missing learning and social experiences. A regular attendance routine matters as children begin school life.