The Parks Primary Academy Nursery Review

Play, conversation and books give the nursery at The Parks Primary Academy its character. Known as Foundation Stage 1, it belongs to the academy’s Foundation Stage on Courtway Road in Hull. A Lead Practitioner and Nursery Nurse form its core team.

Ofsted judged the early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children’s interests help shape the learning. The Early Excellence Pedagogy guides an approach in which adults teach through play, adapting the provision to what children are exploring. Children choose activities, while adults also lead learning. The balance gives them room to pursue an idea and opportunities to have their thinking extended.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum follows Development Matters, with Early Learning Goals and Ages and Stages guiding planning. In parent terms, adults use play and planned activities to support children’s developing skills. Questions and conversations help children apply their learning rather than simply complete a task. In November 2023, staff were developing communication skills from the point children started Nursery.

Stories, songs and rhymes supply everyday encounters with language. Children’s work is displayed around the Foundation Stage, giving their efforts a visible place in the learning environment. Physical learning includes EYFS pre-pedal activities: supplied balance bikes and trained instructors help children practise starting, stopping and using equipment safely. This gives early cycling skills a practical purpose.

Daily conversations with parents take place at the beginning and end of the day. Class Dojo provides another communication channel, and Stay and Play sessions welcome parents into the setting. These offer families opportunities to share information and take part in their child’s learning.

Early years staff have paediatric first aid training and continue their professional development. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the academy works with families to identify needs. Concerns can lead to observation, progress checks or assessments. Support may involve changes to the classroom, individual interventions or small-group work, so the response can match the child rather than follow one fixed pattern. A child is also likely to have a support plan, reviewed with parents.

Across the academy, catering menus change each term and are shared through Class Dojo. The school describes the meals as balanced and nutritious. Children have access to drinking water and receive a reusable bottle kept at school. Kitchens reduce single-use plastics, while ReFood converts food waste into green energy. These are academy catering arrangements, rather than a description of a meal within the nursery’s morning session.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Hull City Council, using the local authority admissions form and returning it by the deadline on that form. Choosing the nursery and choosing a Reception place are separate decisions; keep the school application in your family’s plans.

Foundation 1 runs from 8:30 to 11:30. That morning pattern gives families a clear collection time around which to organise the rest of the day.

Nursery uniform combines a royal blue sweatshirt, cardigan or V-neck jumper, with an optional logo, grey or black bottoms and a white top. Summer options include shorts or a blue gingham dress. Label coats, clothing and equipment with the child’s name and class.

For nursery enquiries, contact the office at info@theparkshull.org.uk or call 01482 761321. The nursery application form can be obtained from the office or downloaded.