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Nursery at Christopher Pickering 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and outdoor exploration shape the nursery experience at Christopher Pickering Primary School. Known as FS1, the nursery belongs to the school's Foundation Stage at Burnham Road in Hull. Children can choose their own learning in provision areas, while adults join their play to extend ideas and encourage thinking. That gives children's interests a practical role in what they do.
Ofsted judged early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 6 and 7 June 2023. This judgement covers the school's early years provision. It is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is approached through play and topics. In everyday terms, children explore, talk and try things out, with adults helping them develop their ideas. The school aims to build learning around children's interests rather than treating play as a break from learning.
Space supports that approach. Each phase has a large communal learning space, and Foundation Stage learning includes the outdoors and the school forest school. The school uses outdoor experiences to encourage children to solve problems and work together, giving them reasons to discuss ideas with other children.
A nursery PE activity in November 2020 combined exploring water and ice with movement. Children felt the materials, discussed freezing and melting, then played a game in which they stopped or started moving as different characters touched them. Hopping, skipping and jumping followed. It is a concrete example of physical activity bringing scientific ideas into play.
Music also begins through exploration in EYFS. Singing introduces more complex songs. Alongside it, musical play lets children test sounds with instruments and explore what their voices can do. These experiences give them ways to experiment with sound as well as words.
In June 2023, early years children settled readily, stayed absorbed in play and developed independence. Adults used conversations to strengthen language and listening, while also teaching considerate behaviour. For a parent, the useful combination is time to pursue an activity and adult help to develop it further.
For children with special educational needs or disabilities, the EYFS curriculum is adapted to their abilities and pace. The class teacher is the initial contact for pastoral, social or medical concerns and can involve the SEND coordinator. This gives families a clear starting point for discussing support.
The Hub serves children already attending the school who have Education, Health and Care Plans and/or severe, complex and specific learning difficulties. Within the Foundation Stage Hub, a Sensory House and soft play area provide additional spaces for sensory exploration and movement. These belong to targeted provision, rather than being presented as facilities every nursery child uses.
Attending Christopher Pickering's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hull City Council, which coordinates admissions and offers places. Choosing FS1 therefore leaves a further application to complete.
For Reception application enquiries, contact the council's School Admissions Team. Keep this process separate from arranging a nursery place.
A request form is used for FS1 places. Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 01482 352245, at 1 Burnham Road, Hull, HU4 7EB.
Foundation Stage has no separate playtimes, and its dinner period begins at 11.45 am. This places meals within the Foundation Stage routine rather than the timetable used by older pupils.
Clothing should carry the child's name clearly. The school encourages uniform, including grey or black bottoms, a navy or white polo shirt and a school sweatshirt or cardigan. Sensible outdoor shoes fit the emphasis on outdoor activity.
The nursery is FS1, within Christopher Pickering Primary School's Foundation Stage.
Learning uses play and topics, with children making choices in provision areas and adults helping extend their thinking. Outdoor learning includes the school forest school.
Early years provision was judged Outstanding at the inspection on 6 and 7 June 2023. This is a school early years judgement, rather than a separate nursery rating.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through Hull City Council, which coordinates admissions and makes offers.
The class teacher is the first contact for pastoral, medical and social concerns and can seek advice from the SEND coordinator.
