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Nursery at Colburn Community Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conversation, storytelling and play give Colburn's nursery its focus. Communication is a priority within the school's CARE values, which bring together Empathy, Resilience, Achievement and Communication. The aim is to help children express themselves and listen to others, making language part of everyday activity rather than a separate exercise.
Children can join once they turn three. This is the school's own nursery on Colburn Lane, known as Foundation Stage 1. At the September 2024 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was judged Requires improvement. That judgement covers the school's early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
At Colburn, learning under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities chosen by children with brief sessions led by adults. At Colburn, those sessions cover number, early language, phonics and social and emotional development. In parent terms, the day brings together opportunities to explore with direct teaching of early skills.
Talk runs through the activities. Adults introduce vocabulary, develop conversations and check children's understanding as they play. Storytelling and role play give children ways to explore feelings and relationships; creative play and outdoor exploration sit alongside early reading, maths and writing. The school aims to encourage perseverance by treating mistakes as part of learning.
Indoor and outdoor learning spaces are planned for exploration and independence. In September 2024, children benefited from generous learning space and attentive care. Teaching across the early years curriculum was less consistent: some learning lacked depth, and adults needed to make better use of activities and their conversations with children. As a result, children were less ready for Year 1 than they could have been. Curriculum consistency. This was a specific early years improvement priority. Families should weigh the day-to-day care alongside that concern about learning.
Settling starts with opportunities to get acquainted. New starters can attend a getting-ready meeting with a parent, spending time with staff while exploring and playing. Open evenings include parents and children, and a trial school lunch can be offered. These introductions let families begin sharing their child's needs before regular attendance.
Parents can speak to their child's key person whenever needed, or contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead about welfare concerns. Staff receive safeguarding training specific to early years and online safety, and observe changes in children's play, behaviour and emotions. In September 2024, care for the youngest children included attention to individual needs and a safe setting.
Nursery children receive fruit daily. For concerns about learning or development, the initial contact is the class teacher, who can arrange discussion with the SEND coordinator if necessary. This gives parents a clear starting point for discussing additional support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admissions process. North Yorkshire residents apply through North Yorkshire Admissions; families living elsewhere apply through their home authority. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past.
Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. The school's arrangements for moving between year groups include two transition days. Children with SEND can have additional time with their next teacher or teaching assistant, while transition planners can include extra visits and work in the new classroom. These arrangements support familiarity with the next setting; they do not secure admission.
Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am, with the afternoon session from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The two session windows give families clear times around which to organise collection.
Foundation Stage parents are encouraged to accompany children to the classroom door, then let them go in independently with a staff member present. At the end of the school day, teachers are available at the external classroom door for conversation with parents.
Individual tours can be arranged with the school team. Contact the office on 01748 832676 or email admin@colburn.n-yorks.sch.uk to book a visit or make a nursery enquiry.
Children can access the nursery once they have turned three.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am. Afternoon sessions run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
No. Reception requires a separate application. North Yorkshire residents apply through North Yorkshire Admissions; residents of other authorities apply through their home authority.
Parents can speak to their child's key person. Learning concerns should initially be raised with the class teacher, who can arrange a meeting with the SEND coordinator if necessary.
Yes. Individual tours can be arranged by calling 01748 832676 or emailing admin@colburn.n-yorks.sch.uk.
