The Mount Junior Infant & Nursery School: Nursery Review

Story time and learning to manage feelings give The Mount's nursery its clearest character. In November 2022, children in the school's early years followed familiar routines, developed independence and formed trusting relationships with adults. For a parent considering a first school setting, those are useful foundations: learning includes becoming comfortable with other children and managing the everyday demands of a group.

This is the school's own nursery provision in Thornes, Wakefield. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good following its visit on 29 and 30 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Regular stories provide a concrete picture of nursery learning. In November 2022, nursery children enjoyed listening to adults read, with lively delivery making these shared sessions engaging. Books therefore had an established place in their experience, giving children time to listen together and enjoy a story.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) also involved learning how to participate in the day. Adults helped children become more independent and handle their emotions; children understood the routines and responded to them. These everyday skills matter alongside learning activities, because they help a child take part and relate to others.

Relationships were part of that learning too. Children approached activities positively and treated classmates considerately. The November 2022 findings describe an early years experience where practising independence and understanding others accompanied the nursery's shared reading.

Trust between children and staff was a strength of early years in November 2022. Adults responded positively to children, and children felt secure in those relationships. For families, the practical significance is support with feelings as well as participation in learning.

Class Dojo gives parents a route to their child's class teacher. Telephone or email contact with the office is the route for urgent messages or reaching other staff, helping families direct a concern to the appropriate team.

For special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's provision addresses communication difficulties, autism, sensory impairments, physical needs and medical issues. Parents can contact the SEND coordinator through the office. This provides a starting point for discussing an individual child's needs.

School catering uses the Soil Association's Bronze Food for Life Catering Mark principles. Its food commitments include more than 75% fresh preparation, seasonal produce and free range eggs where eggs are used. These describe the school's catering approach, rather than a nursery meal entitlement.

Safeguarding concerns can be taken to the designated safeguarding lead team through the office or in person before or after school. The Mount also participates in Operation Encompass: police notifications following domestic abuse incidents help staff recognise when a child may need additional support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

The school is on Thornes Road, Wakefield, WF2 8QW. For nursery enquiries, contact the office on 01924 371738 or email office@mount.wakefield.sch.uk. These school contact details provide a direct route for starting a conversation about joining the nursery.