Estcourt Primary Academy Nursery Review

Learning to talk, play and work alongside other children gives Estcourt’s nursery its character. This is Foundation 1 within the academy’s Foundation Unit in Hull, where nursery and Reception children learn together. Nursery provision starts at age three, and there are 52 full time equivalent places. That capacity describes the provision, rather than the number attending any particular session.

Ofsted judged early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 28 and 29 January 2025. This judgement covers the school’s early years, including its nursery.

Conversation runs through the learning. In January 2025, staff built children’s vocabulary throughout their activities and planned challenges that caught their interest. Learning alongside others also helped children develop a sense of belonging. For a parent, the emphasis is on both language and learning how to join in.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here combines learning through play, working together and adult support for communication. Staff use the learning environment to engage children in challenges, giving them reasons to talk and participate.

Reading has a named approach: early years teaching includes daily phonics through Read Write Inc. Books matched to the sounds children are learning support practice at school and at home. This connects the teaching of sounds with using them in a book.

Settling begins before the first nursery session. Early Bird sessions bring parents and children into the setting together, while nursery staff also visit families at home. Those two arrangements give children a chance to become familiar with the setting and meet staff before starting.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the academy can adapt classroom activities and provide individual or small group support according to need. Its sensory space and classroom calm corners provide physical spaces for support with regulation. Parents can begin discussions with the class teacher; the SENDCo coordinates additional support.

The academy uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, with parents involved in discussing support and reviewing progress. Communication includes conversations and Class Dojo. Early years children with an Education, Health and Care Plan have their plans reviewed every six months, keeping provision under regular review as their needs develop.

Food is prepared on site each day. Main-course choices include a vegetarian option, and children may bring a packed lunch. Families should tell the office about specific dietary needs so arrangements can be made.

Familiarity and admission are separate questions. Working together within the Foundation Unit helps children become accustomed to the next stage, and staff can agree individual introduction plans with families.

Reception applications. A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Reception, and nursery attendance alone does not confer priority. Families must make a separate application through Hull City Council, which coordinates admissions and offers places. For the 2027–28 entry cycle, the application must reach the local authority by the end of January. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements: being settled here does not secure the next place.

The nursery entitlement is 15 hours per week. Subject to what is possible, families can use those hours across five mornings, five afternoons, or a mixture of full and part days. Flexibility is conditional, so the pattern needs agreement rather than being assumed.

Nursery applications go directly to the academy using a nursery application form, and a birth certificate is required before admission. Enquiries can be made on 01482 761322 or by emailing info@estcourtprimary.org.uk.

Uniform applies to nursery children. It includes a royal blue jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt, with a logo optional, grey or black trousers or a skirt, a white top and plain black footwear. Label clothing and coats to help keep belongings identifiable.