Hallgate Primary School Cottingham Nursery Review

Rhymes, stories and imaginative art give Hallgate’s nursery its clearest character: an introduction to school through language and creative expression. This is the preschool provision within Hallgate Primary School Cottingham, whose age range begins at three. The school occupies extensive grounds between Hull and Beverley, placing the nursery within a larger primary school site.

At the inspection on 27 and 28 February 2024, Ofsted judged early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Stories and rhymes are a concrete part of nursery learning. In February 2024, nursery children enjoyed both, giving the youngest children a starting point for engaging with books and spoken language. Early reading begins within the early years stage. For parents, the emphasis is on the first steps towards reading, with enjoyment of language already part of nursery life.

Creative learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework used for the school’s Foundation Stage art teaching. Here, that means experimenting with materials and using imagination to express ideas and feelings. Art therefore gives children another way to communicate alongside words. The focus is on what children can explore and express, rather than simply on a finished picture. These language and creative activities are the most concrete examples of the nursery curriculum.

Hallgate says it considers each child’s individual needs. The school has a team of Special Educational Needs Coordinators, giving families a point of contact for discussions about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The East Riding Local Offer brings together education, health and social care services; the Families Information Service Hub (FISH) also provides advice and support for parents. These are useful routes for families seeking support beyond school.

Communication includes monthly school updates, with correspondence emailed to the addresses held for each child. Families can request paper copies through the office. This gives parents a regular connection with wider school life and a practical alternative to receiving information electronically.

Reception admission is separate. Attending Hallgate’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a fresh application through the normal Reception process and meet the application deadline.

Applications go to the local authority where the family lives. For East Riding residents, that is East Riding of Yorkshire Council; families living elsewhere apply through their home authority. No supplementary information form is required for Hallgate. Keeping the application separate from nursery attendance is essential when planning the next stage.

Children joining Foundation Stage are invited into school during the summer term to help them prepare. Parents also have opportunities to meet staff beforehand. These visits support familiarity with school; they should be understood separately from the allocation of a place.

The school office is the enquiry route: telephone 01482 846136 or email hps@eastriding.gov.uk. Visits can be arranged by calling the office for an appointment. For families considering the preschool, a visit offers a practical opportunity to discuss their child with the school before making their decision.