Bentham Community Primary School Nursery

Butterfly Class brings nursery children into a mixed group with Reception children, giving Bentham’s nursery a place within the school’s early years provision. This shared class is the defining feature of the arrangement: nursery sits alongside the next stage of school life.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 29 and 30 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for nursery learning. Bentham describes its curriculum as including planned experiences that develop children’s learning and personal growth, alongside what they learn through relationships and expectations. For a young child, that means learning to cooperate matters alongside building knowledge and skills.

In November 2022, the indoor and outdoor early years spaces supported children’s learning. Activities were carefully organised, and adults helped children become more independent in managing what they did. Sharing and waiting for a turn were evident strengths. These are practical foundations for taking part in a group, rather than simply preparation for formal lessons.

Planning began in early years and put learning into a clear sequence. Nursery children made a positive start. The emphasis was on purposeful activities and growing independence, with adults supporting children as they learnt to take responsibility for their own learning.

Settling begins at home. After a nursery place has been offered, the nursery teacher visits the child and parents to work through an induction pack. A visit to school together follows. This gives families two points of contact before their child starts: a conversation in familiar surroundings, then an opportunity to become acquainted with school.

For children needing additional help, the school’s support process involves the class teacher and special educational needs coordinator (SENCo), with parents consulted about further support. Access to speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and the SEND Hub gives the team routes to specialist advice.

Individual Provision Maps record support, interventions and their impact, including recommendations from outside agencies. Parents help update these at autumn and spring meetings, so support can be discussed and reviewed together. Families can also arrange a conversation with the class teacher about concerns. These are school-wide arrangements relevant to discussing a nursery child’s needs, rather than a separate nursery support service.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal local authority process and meet the applicable deadline. North Yorkshire’s Education Department handles Reception applications; the route is through North Yorkshire Council.

Preparation for the change is a separate matter. Before the autumn start, new parents and children are invited to an introductory meeting where they can meet the Reception team and become familiar with the classroom. Butterfly Class already includes both nursery and Reception children, but familiarity with the school must not be treated as an admissions advantage.

For nursery enquiries or to arrange a school visit, contact the office on 01524 261412. Guided tours can be booked through the office, giving parents an opportunity to see the setting and discuss their questions.

Nursery children bring their PE kit in a small bag at the beginning of each half term. The kit includes a plain white top, dark shorts and indoor pumps, with trainers for outdoor PE.