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Nursery at Sharlston Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Thames Class gives Sharlston’s nursery its own river name, while observing a ladybird’s life cycle gives children a concrete way to explore the natural world. This is the school’s own nursery on Hammer Lane in Sharlston Common, with a nursery teacher and nursery nurse within the wider staff team.
The emphasis is on learning through experiences children can investigate and discuss. A ladybird’s changing form provides something real to watch, helping an early science idea become more than a description.
Early language, number and learning alongside other children are central to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) here. In December 2024, Ofsted found that adults taught language and early mathematics effectively, while helping children cooperate and take turns with materials. Established routines helped children understand what to do, giving activities a clear structure.
The practical examples are memorable. Children concentrated on what happened when paint met ice, bringing observation and colour together. Another activity involved matching birthday-cake candles to the number needed for classmates. Numbers had a purpose children could recognise.
Alongside those early-years activities, nursery children observe the development of a ladybird. The school’s SHINE curriculum aims to build learning from experiences connected to children’s own surroundings. For parents, the useful distinction is the connection between a concrete experience, the language used to discuss it and the knowledge children begin to build.
There is also a wider assessment issue to keep in view. In December 2024, checks in a small number of school subjects did not pinpoint missing knowledge sufficiently, leaving some subsequent teaching less closely matched to pupils’ understanding. That was a school-level concern rather than a finding specifically about nursery.
Starting nursery may involve a home visit by the nursery teacher, nursery nurse or, where appropriate, the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo). Staff also visit children attending another setting, and extra Foundation Stage visits can be arranged. These contacts help staff understand a child’s needs before the new routine begins.
For children needing SEND support, the school uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Children on the SEND register have a My Plan, usually revised termly, with contributions from parents, staff and other professionals. This gives families a shared record of needs and support. The school building has an access ramp and an adapted toilet.
Fresh New York Deli bagels are provided each morning to all children. Communication home uses My Child at School (MCAS), including email and text messages, while parents can book progress appointments online.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the admission criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application. Wakefield residents use Wakefield’s Common Application Form; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. For September 2026 entry, the normal primary deadline was 15 January 2026.
Transition support is separate from allocation. Summer-term visits introduce children to their next classroom and staff, and receiving teachers are given information before the term ends. Familiarity helps with the change, but does not secure admission.
Nursery doors open at 8:30am. The school follows Wakefield term dates and has five staff-training closure days each year.
Uniform includes a sky-blue polo shirt with a navy jumper or cardigan; a school logo is optional. Prior adjustments can be agreed for sensory needs or injury. To enquire or arrange a school visit, contact the office on 01924 967614 or email sharlstonadmin@watertonacademytrust.org. The admin office operates from 8am to 4pm.
The nursery is Thames Class.
A child may receive a home visit from nursery staff, with SENDCo involvement where appropriate. Staff visit children attending another setting, and additional Foundation Stage visits can be arranged.
No. Attendance neither guarantees a place nor confers priority under the admission criteria. A separate Reception application is required through the relevant local authority route.
SEND support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Children on the SEND register have a My Plan, usually updated termly, with parents involved in its development.
Make an appointment through the school office on 01924 967614 or email sharlstonadmin@watertonacademytrust.org.
