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Nursery at Ashlands 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor learning has no fixed playtime slot at Ashlands nursery: children can use the outdoor provision throughout their session. That gives the day room to follow their play. The nursery belongs to the Little Acorns Early Years Unit at Ashlands Primary School in Ilkley and takes children from age 3, normally starting in the term following their third birthday.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 May 2025. This judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play is the organising principle. Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning through activities in which they can practise developing skills. In May 2025, adult conversations supported language development alongside learning to share and wait for a turn. These are everyday foundations for joining in with other children.
Books give that learning a focus. During May 2025, children enjoyed stories connected with their learning and shared books with one another. The nursery also has a class library collection, while songs and music feature in the younger children's classrooms. A number hunt using QR codes is one example of nursery maths activity, giving children a practical reason to look for numbers.
Indoor play areas, green spaces and continuous outdoor provision give children different places to explore. Outdoor learning forms part of the curriculum, rather than being confined to breaks.
Curriculum precision. In May 2025, some early years curriculum content still needed clearer definition of the knowledge children should retain. Families should weigh the positive findings about language and engagement alongside this specific improvement need.
Children and their parents are invited to settling-in sessions. In May 2025, relationships with families helped children adjust quickly, and children managed familiar routines confidently. The nursery recommends at least 3 sessions each week to help establish that routine.
Fruit, water and milk are accessible during the day. Children staying for lunch can bring food from home or have a hot meal. Lunch supervision is a separate care element: children receiving Early Years Pupil Premium or Free School Meals are exempt from the half-hour care charge when they stay for lunch.
A class teacher leads the nursery. For additional needs, the teacher and SEND coordinator monitor development during the nursery year, discuss concerns and involve parents. Across the school, support staff training includes ELKLAN and Makaton; a hygiene room is within the nursery itself. These give families concrete support arrangements to consider alongside their child's needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admissions priority under the 2027/2028 arrangements. Families must make a fresh application through their home local authority in the normal admissions round and meet the deadline for their entry year. Bradford administers Ashlands applications.
For children with SEND changing classes within the school, information and individual education plans pass to the next teacher ahead of time. Summer-term visits introduce children to their new class and staff. This transition support is separate from the allocation of a Reception place.
Morning sessions run from 9.00am to 12.00pm; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. An all-day option spans 9.00am to 3.30pm. Saplings Before and After School Club and the Early Years Holiday Club extend the childcare options, with nursery children able to attend from 7.30am to 6.00pm for up to 48 weeks annually.
Funding can cover 15 hours, or 30 hours for eligible children, with a limited number of 30-hour places. Families can choose term-time funding or stretch it across 48 weeks, including use in the clubs. Hours beyond funded entitlement and school lunches attract charges; ask the office for current charges and complete a Funded Hours Agreement Form at admission to record how funding will be allocated.
Fixed bookings. Sessions cannot be exchanged within a week, so choose a pattern that fits regular commitments. Requests for changes depend on space and normally take effect at the next half term.
Email office@ashlands.mlt.co.uk to enquire or arrange a visit. Tell the teacher or office whenever a different adult will collect your child.
Children can normally start in the term after their third birthday. The nursery admits children from age 3.
Yes. Children can have a hot meal or bring a packed lunch. Lunch care has its own charging arrangements, with an exemption for children receiving Early Years Pupil Premium or Free School Meals.
Yes. Funding can be stretched across 48 weeks and used in Saplings Before and After School Club and the Early Years Holiday Club, as well as nursery.
No. Nursery attendance provides neither a guarantee nor priority under the 2027/2028 arrangements. A separate application through your home local authority is required.
Contact the school office at office@ashlands.mlt.co.uk to arrange a visit or discuss a nursery place.
