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Nursery at Penistone St John's Voluntary Aided 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Tigers have their own nursery building, a covered outdoor area and space to learn alongside older children. This is the nursery at Penistone St John's Voluntary Aided Primary School, part of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with morning and afternoon sessions rather than a single school-day timetable.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play and planned teaching share the session. The EYFS approach here combines activities children choose themselves with topics introduced by adults. Children spend time learning together as a class, working in smaller groups and exploring resources independently. For parents, that means a balance between following a child's interests and introducing skills through purposeful teaching.
The nursery building opens up the learning environment beyond a classroom: children also use an outdoor space and a covered area. Outdoor areas are shared with Reception children, giving the Tigers opportunities to build relationships across the two age groups. Materials and adult contributions extend the activities already available, so independent exploration has a teaching purpose too.
Creative work includes printing, sculpture, painting, drawing and collage from Nursery onwards. These give children different ways to express ideas and experiment with materials. History begins with events connected to children's own lives, making the past something personal and recognisable. In EYFS, computers, iPads and interactive smartboards support learning through games and apps among the resources children can use.
In July 2024, early years staff used purposeful exchanges with children to support their learning. Children maintained concentration and persevered when activities proved difficult. Discussion also supported writing practice. The emphasis reaches beyond making marks: children develop the focus and confidence to stay with a task.
Learning support is a strength of early years. In July 2024, carefully organised teaching helped children flourish, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Behaviour in early years was exceptional, with adults explicitly teaching children how to concentrate and position themselves comfortably for writing.
An EYFS lead forms part of the leadership team, alongside a SENCO with responsibility for inclusion. Families can approach their child's class teacher for additional information. In July 2024, information shared with parents helped them understand children's learning and support it at home, connecting classroom experiences with family life.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact Barnsley's school admissions service to confirm the Reception application requirements and deadline.
Shared outdoor areas help nursery children become familiar with Reception children through everyday contact. That is useful preparation for a change of class, separate from the decision about who receives a place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoon sessions run from 12.10pm to 3.10pm. These are distinct collection times, so families need to plan around the nursery timetable.
Children enter through the nursery entrance. At collection, staff release children from classroom doors into the playground when the teacher has seen the collecting adult. If someone different will collect, send the class teacher a message or letter that day. An unfamiliar adult cannot collect without that notification.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01226 762496 or email office@penistonestjohns.org.
The nursery class is called Tigers and forms part of the school's EYFS provision.
Morning sessions are 8.30am to 11.30am. Afternoon sessions are 12.10pm to 3.10pm.
Yes. They use an outdoor space and a covered outdoor area, with outdoor areas shared with Reception children.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place. Contact Barnsley's school admissions service to confirm the Reception application requirements and deadline.
Parents can approach their child's class teacher for additional information. The school office can also be contacted on 01226 762496 or at office@penistonestjohns.org.
