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Nursery at Silcoates 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A separate Pre-School building and a sloping outdoor playground give Silcoates’ youngest children a setting of their own within the school. The provision starts at age two, in Wrenthorpe, Wakefield. Teachers and Classroom Coordinators supervise play inside and outside, as well as movement around the grounds.
From 30 January to 1 February 2024, early years care met children’s needs through individually planned activities. This is evidence about the school’s early years provision, rather than a separate nursery grade.
Choice is part of the learning day. At the material change inspection on 6 December 2024, ISI described plans for children to choose activities and move between them, alongside resources selected for the proposed class of two-year-olds. Dressing up, music and activities involving small hand movements were among the examples. These give imaginative play, movement and physical development practical expression.
Planning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), covering seven areas of learning through experiences suited to children’s ages and stages. Indoor activities and outdoor learning have their own planning. In December 2024, the Pre-School had also arranged space where its youngest children could spend part of the day separately. That allows the environment to accommodate different ages within the provision.
In December 2024, early years staff collected information on entry and used observations to establish children’s abilities and understanding, then identify what to teach next. Leaders had considered how these assessment practices would apply to the proposed nursery class. The emphasis is on building from each child’s starting point. Outdoor play adds opportunities for movement, with staff checking gates and weather conditions before children use the playground.
Lunch takes children to the Dining Hall. Pre-School staff serve food and help where needed; adults supervising lunch eat alongside the children, demonstrating cutlery use and table manners and encouraging them to try unfamiliar foods. Eating is part of learning independence.
Rest also has a place. In December 2024, children had somewhere to sleep, with gentle adult support as they woke. Staff helped children practise sharing and taking turns, giving them guidance for managing feelings during play.
Support for additional needs follows the school’s SEND policy, which explicitly includes EYFS. Parents can raise concerns by telephone, email or in person, and the SENDCo uses information from staff and families to plan a response. The policy also acknowledges that the school may be unable to meet every specific requirement, so individual support needs matter when considering a place.
In January and February 2024, early years safeguarding procedures were rigorous, and all early years staff had paediatric first-aid training. The same inspection called for fuller safeguarding records and more detailed assessments of risks on educational visits across the school. Those recommendations provide useful context alongside the early years findings.
Nursery attendance does not provide an unconditional guarantee of a Reception place. Silcoates’ admissions policy makes its own position clear: movement between school sections is normally automatic, with no additional entrance tests, unless strong educational reasons prevent it. Where that exception applies, parents have discussions well before transfer.
This is a qualified internal transfer arrangement. It should be read separately from the nursery’s daily care and learning, rather than treated as an absolute promise of continued admission.
The Pre-School uniform includes a white polo shirt with the school crest, black jogging bottoms and a black sweatshirt, alongside waterproof trousers and a reversible stormproof coat. Items marked with an asterisk on the uniform list come from Schoolblazer.
Handover is controlled by staff: only staff answer the door at collection and drop-off, and selected staff use a secure fob to access the Pre-School. Children remain supervised until a member of staff dismisses them to a parent. Collection from outdoor play also requires signing out.
For an introduction to the setting, personal school tours can be arranged throughout the year through the Admissions team’s booking form. Admissions enquiries can also go to admissions@silcoates.org.uk.
The Pre-School starts at age two.
Yes. Pre-School has an outdoor playground, with staff checking the gates and monitoring surfaces according to the weather.
Staff take Pre-School children to the Dining Hall, serve their food and help as needed. Supervising adults eat with them and model table manners and cutlery use.
There is no unconditional guarantee. Transfer between school sections is usually automatic without further entrance tests, but an exception is allowed for strong educational reasons, discussed with parents in advance.
Yes. Personal guided school tours are offered throughout the year and can be booked through the Admissions team’s form.
