Skirlaugh Primary School Nursery Review

Sand, role play and scooters give Skirlaugh’s nursery its practical character. Children aged three and four have access to a refurbished EYFS classroom and an outdoor area with an adventure playground. This is the nursery within Skirlaugh Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, with children able to start from their third birthday.

Morning attendance or a full day gives families a choice of pace. The early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 20 and 21 May 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives learning several starting points: physical development, early writing, mathematics and creative activity. In the classroom, construction materials sit alongside spaces for imaginative play, sand and water. Children can explore through making, movement and play rather than having every activity centred on a table.

The layout connects different kinds of learning. Areas for expressive arts and design give children another way to develop ideas, while an additional classroom provides quieter space for group work. These are useful distinctions for a young child moving between busy practical activity and a smaller group.

Outside, bikes and scooters add opportunities for movement, with water play and the adventure playground extending the choice. The indoor and outdoor provision therefore gives physical activity a concrete place in the day.

Communication is a strength of the early years teaching. In May 2025, adults listened attentively to children and extended their vocabulary and understanding. Early reading also had a strong foundation here. For parents, the significant detail is the interaction: adults develop children’s language through responding to what they say.

Settling begins before the first regular session. Families are invited to arrange two free taster sessions, each lasting two hours, and parents can stay alongside their child. This gives children time to become familiar with the setting while retaining the reassurance of a parent nearby.

Staffing includes a nursery class teacher and an EYFS teaching assistant. A lunchtime supervisor is also part of the early years team. For concerns about a child, parents can speak with the class teacher or a teaching assistant; SEND enquiries can go directly to the school’s SEND coordinator by email.

Nursery curriculum updates go to families at the beginning of each term, covering learning intentions, dates and suggestions for supporting learning at home. They give parents a practical connection between nursery activities and conversations or experiences beyond the classroom.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority and meet its application deadline. East Riding residents use East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s process; families living elsewhere apply through the authority where they live.

Separate application. Late applications are considered after applications received on time. Choosing the nursery should therefore sit alongside planning the Reception application, rather than replacing it.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon; full days run from 9am to 3pm. Families can choose full or half days. Children can remain until 3:30pm for an additional charge, an option intended to help families collecting school-age siblings.

Children can access 15 funded hours each week from the term after their third birthday. Some families qualify for 30 hours, which the nursery can accommodate. Sessions taken between a child’s third birthday and the start of their funding are charged.

To enquire, complete a nursery expression of interest form or contact the school office on 01964 562454. Visits can be arranged by telephone. The nursery is on Dorset Avenue, Skirlaugh, HU11 5EB.