Bishopthorpe Preschool Playgroup

Woodland, a playground and access to a sports field give Bishopthorpe Preschool Playgroup an outdoor character that goes beyond a single play space. Based at the Pavilion in Bishopthorpe, it combines indoor play areas with freedom for children to move outside. The setting has capacity for 24 children, with mainstream sessions for ages three to five.

Ofsted rated the playgroup Outstanding at its 1 December 2021 inspection. That is a dated judgement: the present offer includes Forest School, targeted language support and a community structure in which parents help run the charity.

Attendance is term-time, with morning, afternoon and full-day patterns. This is a preschool playgroup with a school-day timetable, so its practical appeal depends as much on a family's calendar as on its outdoor spaces.

Learning and Activities

The EYFS provides the framework for children's learning and care, including language and communication and mathematical ideas such as number and position. In December 2021, these took practical form through conversations and counting and measuring sticks. Indoor resources are organised into areas of provision and chosen around children's interests. Free movement between inside and outside gives children scope to follow an activity into a different setting rather than keeping outdoor play separate from the rest of their day.

Forest School adds outdoor learning near the playgroup, supported by a Forest School Leader. Early Talk Boost is a language programme delivered by trained staff for children needing targeted support. These are concrete additions to the everyday play-based offer: one uses the outdoor setting, while the other addresses communication needs.

In December 2021, woodland activities included removing bark from wood with tools, discussing protective equipment and asking questions about natural objects. Mathematical learning also grew out of play: children measured sticks and explored position and quantity. Those examples show how an outdoor activity can bring practical skills, conversation and number work together.

Outdoor and Community Life

The playground and enclosed woodland give children different ways to use the outdoor space, while access to the sports field extends the physical setting. Regular outings reach beyond the playgroup. Previous destinations include Beetle Bank Farm, William's Den and The Castle Museum; these are examples of trips taken, rather than a fixed future itinerary.

Outside groups also visit regularly, including Let's Dance, White Rose Football and Sam's Safari. The visits bring other people and activities into the children's routine.

Environmental learning has a practical thread. The playgroup holds an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award and uses discussion and activities to help children think about environmental choices. In December 2021, children had helped the local community plant an orchard and sow wild flowers, and took part in recycling and caring for their surroundings. The emphasis was on actions children could join in themselves.

Relationships and Communication

Each child has both a key person and a key person buddy. That gives families two identified staff connections rather than a single point of contact. An optional home visit before starting offers a chance for staff to meet the child and family in familiar surroundings.

In December 2021, parents received development updates through meetings held either electronically or face to face. Children also practised considerate habits in their play, including leaving an activity ready for someone else and helping one another. These are examples from that period, rather than a description of every current session.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

An accredited Special Educational Needs staff member forms part of the support arrangements, alongside the targeted Early Talk Boost language programme. At the December 2021 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and highlighted staff's prompt identification of learning needs, activities addressing gaps and exceptional progress in speaking and listening.

The current staff structure includes admissions, funding and health-and-safety responsibilities, as well as Forest School leadership. Paediatric first-aid training is also listed among staff training. These roles cover practical aspects of running the playgroup.

Sessions and Attendance

The playgroup operates from the Pavilion on Ferry Lane, Bishopthorpe, York, YO23 2SB. Mainstream sessions run during term time, Monday to Friday: mornings are 9am to noon and afternoons noon to 3pm. A full day runs from 9am to 3pm.

When available, morning attendance can extend to 12.30pm for lunch club. This gives a slightly later finish than the standard morning, but families should plan around the condition attached to that extension. Ad hoc sessions are also offered under a separate payment arrangement.

Admissions have a dedicated telephone number, 07926 573100, and email address, bishopthorpe-playgroupadmissions@hotmail.co.uk. Families can use a registration form to apply.

Funding and Paid Extras

Universal funding for three- and four-year-olds starts in the term following a child's third birthday and provides 15 funded hours a week. Eligible families may receive an additional 15 hours, making 30 funded hours across 38 weeks. The attendance offer is term-time.

Hours beyond a child's funded entitlement are charged privately, and the playgroup requests a parental contribution for Forest School sessions. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation; its sessions and fees page sets out the attendance and charging structure.

Moving on to School

The playgroup describes a close partnership with Bishopthorpe Infant School and local childminders to help children move between settings. Attendance does not guarantee a school place: families still apply through the local authority admissions process. The partnership concerns transition, so it should be considered separately from the school application.

• The term-time timetable. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions finish by 3pm, with a conditional lunch-club extension for mornings. Consider how the different patterns fit work and school-holiday arrangements.
• Outdoor learning in practice. Forest School, enclosed woodland and free movement outside are substantial parts of the offer. During a visit, ask how a child new to outdoor activities is helped to take part.
• Funding and the total package. Additional childcare hours are charged and Forest School carries a requested parental contribution. Ask for one written breakdown covering your chosen pattern, funded hours, meals and non-food consumables.
• A parent-run community setting. A volunteer committee helps manage the charity, and fundraising supports basic supplies. The Annual Toy Fair is one recurring event; families who enjoy contributing to a local group may value this aspect of playgroup life.

Bishopthorpe Preschool Playgroup suits families seeking term-time morning or afternoon sessions, as well as those wanting a full preschool day ending at 3pm. Its clearest attractions are tangible: woodland and playground access, Forest School, a key person buddy and targeted language support.

The Outstanding judgement dates from December 2021, while the community committee and school transition partnership add practical context to the current offer. For families whose timetable fits, this is a playgroup with a strong outdoor identity and opportunities for parents to participate in its running.