Reignhead Primary School Nursery

A pirate ship climbing frame and weekly Woodland visits give Reignhead’s nursery day an outdoor thread. Sand, water, bikes and scooters sit alongside classroom learning, with children exploring outside whatever the weather. This is provision for families who want practical play to be part of early education.

The nursery forms the first part of the school’s Foundation Stage at Platts Drive in Beighton, Sheffield. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with entry points in September, January and April. Families can request a 15-hour pattern or a 30-hour place, giving them a choice between shorter sessions and days joined across lunchtime.

Learning combines activities directed by teachers with play that follows children’s interests. Small groups work on early literacy and maths indoors; the Nursery playground and Woodland Area extend learning beyond the classroom. Resources inside and outside are arranged for children to choose and use independently, so making decisions is part of the day.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early number and literacy skills, physical development, communication, relationships, creativity and learning about the world. In practice, conversation, storytelling and role play give children opportunities to try new vocabulary. Work on emotions and resolving disagreements sits alongside activities developing hand control and larger movements. The curriculum follows the EYFS Framework 2021, supported by Development Matters guidance 2021.

White Rose supports number learning, including shape, measurement and spatial thinking. Nursery literacy concentrates on understanding language and processing what children hear. Half-term themes give that learning a context: the 2025/26 nursery materials included Magical Me, Winter Wonderland and Journeys. These named topics give parents a starting point for conversations about learning at home.

Outside, the pirate ship climbing frame adds climbing to wheeled play and sand-and-water exploration. Planned Woodland visits take place weekly. Suitable clothing matters because outdoor learning continues in all weathers.

Settling begins with contact before the first nursery session. Once a place has been allocated, key workers visit the family at home, bringing activities and discussing questions or concerns. A link visit at the beginning of the starting term then gives parent and child an allocated slot to play together in nursery. Children can meet staff and other children with a familiar adult beside them.

Staff also speak with parents and previous settings before children start. Observations then inform weekly planning, while photographs and examples of children’s creations help staff consider their next steps. Tapestry is the online journal used to record learning moments.

Additional intervention and extra challenge form part of the EYFS approach. Across the school, support links include the Speech and Language Service, Learning Support and Educational Psychologists. For a child with additional needs, those links provide routes to specialist advice and assessment.

Reception requires another application. A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Reignhead’s Reception class. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process by the relevant deadline; the nursery’s Transition page provides an application link.

Preparation for that move is a separate matter. Nursery children get to know Reception teachers before September through close working within the EYFS team. Getting-to-know-you sessions, get ready clubs, a parent meeting and information packs support the change. These activities build familiarity with people and routines; they do not secure admission.

The 15-hour choices are five mornings, five afternoons, or one of two split-week patterns: full days on Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning; or Wednesday afternoon plus full days on Thursday and Friday. These choices depend on availability. The application form also includes a Monday-to-Friday full-day request.

The nursery opens its door from 8:40am to 8:50am. Morning collection is at 11:30am; afternoon children join at 12:20pm, and the day finishes at 3:20pm. A teaching assistant runs the lunch club between 11:30am and 12:20pm for children attending wraparound sessions, with an additional charge. Ask the school for current charges when choosing a pattern.

For 30-hour childcare funding, families must first check that they meet the eligibility criteria. The funding page links to government application guidance. Nursery applications can be completed online or on a paper form collected from school. Visits can be arranged through the school contact form or by calling 0114 2475767.