Welcome from our Headteacher

We are really excited to have opened a Preschool for 3 & 4 year olds in our wonderful Infant School. We believe strongly that the first years of a child's life are the most important and lay the foundations for all future success. Scientific research is extensive and supports the view that the first five years of childhood are more pivotal for development and future health and happiness, than any other single moment in our lifetime. Our dedicated staff team are experts in early years learning and consider it a privilege to be able to work with young children at this critical time in their lifelong learning journey.  

Our school has an excellent reputation within the community and feels privileged to play such an important role in so many children's lives. Historically we have received our intake of children from many different preschools across the city and we are excited about the opportunity of getting to know our children even sooner and having the chance to make even more of an impact on their future. 

What will a day in preschool look like?

Children can expect a fun filled day of learning through high quality play. The indoor classroom has a wide range of resources including role play, construction, a creative area, reading corner, sand and water play, playdoh and much more!  There are opportunities to develop speaking and listening skills, fine motor alongside building relationships with their friends. Outside their classroom the children have a dedicated, purpose built play area where they can develop physical skills, be imaginative and have fun! They also have access to our other play areas including our sensory garden and fabulous woodland area. 

We are very fortunate to have a beautiful woodland area which our preschool children will be able to access regularly - the opportunities to play and learn are endless! For many of our current children it is their favourite place in school. 

Click here to see more of our outdoor spaces. 

More details...

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions: 

How many places are available?

Preschool offers 26 full time places made up of children attending 15 or 30 hours each week.

When can my child start?

From the beginning of the term following their third birthday.

When can my child attend?

Learning builds sequentially for young children. To optimise this the session options offered are:

• 30 hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 3:15pm
• 15 hours: Monday & Tuesday 8:30am - 3:15pm and Wednesday 8:30am - 11:30am 
• 15 hours: Wednesday 12:15pm - 3:15pm, Thursday & Friday 8:30am - 3:15pm 

What if my child needs additional childcare outside of the school day?

Parents can book and pay for additional Wraparound Care:

• Breakfast Club: 7:30am - 8:30am
• After School Club: 3:15pm - 6:00pm

Wraparound care is led and managed by familiar school staff.

How many weeks a year can my child attend?

Preschool runs in term time in line with the whole school calendar, taking school holidays and INSET days with the rest of the school; this also aligns with Nether Green Junior School calendar dates.

Can I use my Free Childcare Hours?

Yes! All children aged 3-4 years are entitled to 15 hours free childcare; many are now entitled to 30 free hours which can be used for Preschool.

My child is not eligible for 30 hours free childcare but we’d like them to attend full time – is this an option?

Yes. Parents not eligible for 30 hours can choose to fund an additional 15 hours - this is charged at a competitive rate (there are no fees during school holidays). 

Are there any costs in addition to the free childcare hours?

Please follow this link for the Preschool Chargeable Extras.

Can I use tax-free childcare to pay for any extras?

Yes – parents who are eligible for tax-free childcare can use this to pay for Breakfast and After School Clubs and lunch cover. More info on tax-free childcare can be found here.

How do I apply?

Please complete the Application Form and return it to the school office.

The deadline for applications for the academic year 2026-27 is 1st April 2026.

Places will be allocated by 30th April 2026.

What is the Admissions Policy?

Please follow this link for the Preschool Admissions Policy.

What are the benefits for my Preschool child?

• A Preschool education led by an experienced, qualified teacher and supported by a team of highly skilled teaching assistants.
• A smooth transition into full time schooling (Reception) for your child by becoming familiar with the staff, learning environment and routines of school.
• We currently take children from a large number of nurseries and Preschools. We find that many Reception children spend a considerable amount of time in the Autumn term developing skills which would have eased this transition into school; by enabling children into school earlier we will be able to ensure that these children are ‘ready for school’ in terms of their social and emotional skills as well as their academic abilities. Less time in Reception will be spent on teaching independence and basic skills, enabling more time to be spent on developing the skills of reading, writing and maths,  therefore raising standards overall by the end of the Foundation Stage.
• For families with other school age children Preschool sessions will match our school day and also enable those with children at the junior school to drop off in time.
• The yearly whole school calendar will link directly to the preschool dates and Nether Green Junior School dates meaning siblings are in school and on holiday at the same time.

Please contact school for any further information about Preschool via enquiries@nethergreen-inf.sheffield.sch.uk