St James' Church of England Academy Nursery

Counting insects brings together two strands of early learning at St James’: exploring nature and understanding numbers. That example captures the early years provision’s character in September 2023, when children stayed focused on activities and enjoyed learning.

The nursery belongs to St James' Church of England Academy, a Church of England primary school on Dorchester Road in Bransholme, Hull. The school’s age range starts at three. This is nursery provision within a school, with the next admissions decision still separate from the nursery place.

In September 2023, adults used questions to extend children’s understanding during early years activities. Investigating insects, for example, became an opportunity to practise counting. The useful detail is the connection: mathematical learning happened alongside exploration of the natural world, giving children something concrete to think about and discuss.

Language also received deliberate attention. Adults working in early years demonstrated accurate vocabulary, helping children hear how words should be used. Alongside the insect investigation, this gives parents a picture of learning through conversation as well as practical activity.

Children maintained their attention during activities in September 2023. Adults also taught appropriate behaviour as opportunities arose, and children treated one another considerately. Learning to concentrate and learning to share a setting with other children were both part of their early school experience.

Consideration for others was visible in early years in September 2023. Adults helped children understand appropriate behaviour through everyday opportunities, connecting expectations with what children were actually doing.

For families with concerns about special educational needs or disabilities, the school’s SENDCo can be contacted at senco@stj.hlt.academy. Hull’s Local Offer brings together information about education, health and social care support, including early years services. These give parents a school contact and a wider local route for understanding support relevant to their child.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as two decisions.

Every child must apply for a school place. Reception admission. A nursery place is not a promise of a later school place, so families should keep the separate application in their plans throughout their child’s nursery attendance.

The academy is on Dorchester Road, Bransholme, Hull, HU7 6BD. General enquiries can be made on 01482 825091.

For planning ahead, the academy’s spring term runs from 5 January to 19 March 2027, with half term from 8 to 12 February. Summer term runs from 5 April to 23 July 2027; its half term is 31 May to 4 June. These calendar dates help families plan the months ahead, alongside their child’s nursery arrangements.