Bempton Primary School Nursery Review

Learning to organise themselves is part of the day for Bempton’s youngest children. Routines give the early years provision a practical emphasis on independence, alongside building the knowledge and skills children need for later learning.

Bempton Primary School’s nursery caters for children aged 3 and 4, with provision ranging from 3 to 30 hours each week. Nursery belongs to Class 1, whose teacher also teaches Reception. This places it within the school’s early years teaching structure. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 30 and 31 January 2024; that judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework for this stage of learning. Bempton describes its approach as led by children’s questions, experiences and interests. Its stated priorities include exploration, concentration and choosing how to tackle tasks. For parents, the emphasis is on children taking an active part in learning rather than simply following instructions.

Independence has a concrete expression in daily routines. In January 2024, early years children could organise themselves confidently as the day began. The early years curriculum also gave children a secure base of skills and knowledge for subsequent learning. These are useful foundations: managing a routine and developing understanding both matter as children take on new tasks.

Personal development teaching begins in early years. Learning includes staying healthy, friendships and recognising differences between people, bringing social understanding into the curriculum alongside knowledge and skills.

A nursery nurse forms part of the staffing team, and nursery lunchtime supervision operates through a rota. The nursery nurse’s responsibilities include lunchtime supervision and paediatric first aid. Care therefore extends beyond teaching time into the middle of the day.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school provides individual support shaped with parents and, where appropriate, outside agencies. This gives families a role in developing support around their child’s needs. Queries can go to the special educational needs coordinator.

Communication uses Seesaw and Arbor for most correspondence, with class teachers also sending updates through the app. Medical care has clear requirements: prescribed medicines must remain in their original packaging with administration instructions, and parental consent is required. Children who need additional medical support may have an individual healthcare plan.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority; Bempton does not allocate Reception places itself, including for children already attending its nursery.

For East Riding residents, applications go directly to East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. The closing date is usually mid January before the September start. Apply by the deadline, because late applications are considered after those submitted on time.

Flexible provision runs from 3 to 30 hours per week. Nursery applications go directly to the school office, and eligibility determines access to a free place. The nursery and Reception application routes are therefore distinct.

Nursery uniform uses blue for the polo shirt and sweatshirt, with black trousers, skirt or pinafore and black socks or tights. For enquiries, contact the office on 01262 850508 or email bempton.primary@eastriding.gov.uk. School visits can be arranged by telephone, giving families an opportunity to meet staff before applying.