Sherburn Hungate Primary School Nursery

Play-dough, railway worlds and outdoor choices shaped Sherburn Hungate’s earlier nursery arrangements. These placed the morning provision within the school’s early years department, with space for up to 26 children. The normal starting point was the term after a child’s third birthday, subject to places being available.

Under those earlier arrangements, the nursery classroom sat in the main school building, beside Reception, with internal connecting doors. That layout provided opportunities to share activities and become familiar with other children and adults. Confidence and independence were nursery aims, with daily routines giving children small responsibilities of their own.

Mornings run from 08:45 to 11:45. Earlier nursery routines included children managing their coat and bag, then finding their name for a question-box activity. Resources were arranged so children could choose equipment themselves. Much of the learning started with play and followed their interests, including decisions about what to use and what to make.

The earlier learning programme brought together movement, conversation and emotional development with early reading, number work, creativity and exploring the world. Activities included clay and play-dough, water play and imaginative scenes such as a shop or hospital. Construction choices included Duplo, Lego and Brio; painting and collage sat alongside pencil and chalk work. These provided different ways to investigate an idea or express it.

Earlier provision allowed outdoor access for most of the session, with opportunities to balance, climb, ride and practise throwing or catching. Regular use of the school hall added movement, singing and activities with small apparatus. Books, rhymes and musical instruments also featured. At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted identified nursery activities designed to get children ready for later phonics learning.

Earlier settling arrangements offered families a home visit from nursery staff before starting. This gave parents time to share information about their child in familiar surroundings. Parents could also stay briefly on the first day. Within the wider school team, there is an Early Years Phase Leader and a combined SENDCo and Pastoral Lead role.

Earlier care routines let children choose when to have their snack during the session. Under-fives received free milk through Cool Milk, and children received fruit at collection time. Voluntary contributions supported snacks, baking and occasional treats. Families were asked to notify staff about food allergies and supply pull-ups, spare underwear and wipes for children still learning to use the toilet. Confirm current care arrangements with the school.

Earlier progress records used observations and photographs in a Pupil Profile for each child. Families could add experiences from home, helping staff see learning beyond nursery. Across the school, additional support is discussed with parents, the class teacher and SENDCo. Ground-level classrooms, an accessible toilet and an outdoor ramp provide practical access features; speech and language therapists and educational psychologists are among the services the school can access.

Earlier transition arrangements used open connecting doors between nursery and Reception, allowing children to share provision and meet a broader group of staff and children. That familiarity could help prepare children for a change of classroom. Ask the school about current transition practice.

Reception admission is separate. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and it confers no priority under the 2026/2027 admission arrangements. Families must make a fresh application through their home local authority in the normal admissions round, by the usual deadline. For North Yorkshire residents, the route is North Yorkshire Council; families living elsewhere apply through their own authority.

Earlier arrangements provided one morning session each day during term time, with longer childcare possible through collaboration with local childminders. Contact the school office on 01977 682434 to enquire about nursery, confirm current booking arrangements or arrange a visit. For current charges, contact the school.

Earlier nursery guidance made uniform optional and recommended washable clothes, shoes with Velcro fastenings and trousers children could pull up themselves. Outdoor clothing and a bag of spare clothes were part of the preparation. Collection was by a responsible adult, with staff notified when someone different would collect. Confirm current clothing and collection requirements with the school.