Westfield Primary Community School Nursery Review

Shared spaces and a clear emphasis on talk give Westfield’s nursery its character. Nursery children play alongside older early-years children in a Foundation Stage Unit with large indoor and outdoor learning spaces. That makes the next stage physically familiar, while keeping the question of a Reception place separate.

The nursery at Westfield Primary Community School in Acomb, York, has 39 places for three- and four-year-olds, with entry from the term after a child turns three. Early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 3 and 4 July 2023. This was an early-years judgement within the school inspection.

Adult teaching and independent exploration both have a place. Whole-class activities sit alongside teaching in smaller groups and individual support, while Areas of Provision give children open-ended tasks to investigate. Development Matters guides a two-year learning cycle. The EYFS covers relationships and feelings, talking and listening, movement, early reading and writing, number, discovering the world and creative expression: the everyday skills children use to communicate, play and become more independent.

There is plenty of concrete activity behind those headings. Talk 4 Write and dough disco support the beginnings of writing, while props and costumes supply material for imaginative play. A workshop provides challenges for small hand movements. Outdoors, children can revisit indoor learning on a bigger scale, share equipment and practise taking turns. The outdoor classroom is accessible daily.

White Rose Maths uses objects and pictures to develop number understanding. In July 2023, nursery children independently counted pom poms with tweezers, combining number practice with control of their fingers. Little Wandle phonics begins in nursery; early listening work includes rhyme, voice sounds and clapping, preparing children to distinguish sounds in words.

Language support is a distinctive feature. Westfield has participated in Early Talk for York since 2019, uses Wellcomm screening and provides targeted activities in its Language Hub. Together, these give staff ways to identify language needs and respond within everyday teaching or through additional support.

Before starting, families receive a welcome pack. Once children are learning, Marvellous Me carries updates, and Family Learning sessions include opportunities for parents to explore maths, reading and phonics. These give families practical ways to connect learning at home with the nursery day.

Feelings receive deliberate attention through stories, circle times and conversations after disagreements. In July 2023, early-years adults supported children’s communication needs and used visual timetables to encourage independence. Children also had regular chances to discuss emotions, giving them language for asking for help and explaining how they feel.

For children receiving SEND support, learning plans are reviewed each term with families, and pupil passports share strengths, needs and useful strategies with staff. The early-years Language Hub also has access to a speech and language therapist who advises staff and parents. Across the school, the kitchen caters for specific dietary requirements; medical care plans are shared with the staff working with a child, with relevant training arranged.

Attending Westfield’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through City of York Council. Reception applications generally close on 15 January, so keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.

Familiar surroundings help with the practical transition: children already share the Foundation Stage Unit’s indoor and outdoor spaces. During the summer term, nursery staff discuss children’s learning and social, emotional and health needs with teachers at their receiving primary schools. A welcome book helps families prepare, and further visits depend on the child’s needs. Children with EHC plans have separate transition meetings involving the relevant agencies.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, with doors opening at 8:40am; afternoons run from noon to 3:00pm. Full days begin at 8:40am and end at 3:00pm. Families can choose five mornings, five afternoons or a mixture, making the pattern adaptable within the school day.

Universal funding provides 15 hours from the term after the third birthday. Eligible families can access 30 hours over 38 weeks, during term time. Additional sessions are charged; these require a term’s commitment and advance booking and payment. Ask the school for current charges.

Contact the School Office on 01904 555295 for nursery enquiries and application forms. Individual school tours can also be arranged by telephone, giving families an opportunity to discuss their child’s needs.