Rillington Primary School Nursery Review

At the June 2024 inspection, model making, dens and an outdoor toy shop illustrated how Rillington’s early years children developed their own ideas through play. Nursery belongs to Acorn Class, the school’s combined Nursery and Reception group. Parent funded entry starts when children turn 3; funded entry begins the term after their third birthday.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 26 and 27 June 2024. This judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play gives children something purposeful to talk about, build and explore. In June 2024, early years children sustained their interest in den building and making models, choosing materials for themselves. That independence matters: children can pursue an idea rather than wait for an adult to hand them the next activity.

The outside area also becomes a place for imaginative learning. During that same visit, children created a toy shop and made signs using writing materials and paper. Writing had a use within their game. Adults supported vocabulary by helping children describe objects and make comparisons, connecting conversation with what children were doing.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here includes both physical development and learning through play. Timetabled PE and activities within the learning environment give children opportunities to practise large movements and finer hand skills. Visual timetables explain the sequence of the day, including changes to routines, so children have a way to understand what comes next.

Settling begins with familiarity. Children joining early years visit their classroom and teacher across several weeks towards the end of the summer term. Weekly stay and play sessions let parents spend time alongside their child and staff. The EYFS team also speaks with key workers at children’s existing settings, while an All about me booklet helps families share preferences and difficulties before the start.

An EYFS teaching assistant is also a qualified teacher. Foundation staff have paediatric first aid training, and the school building occupies a single level. These are useful practical details for families considering care and access. Mellors Catering Company supplies the school’s cook, and the school describes the produce used for lunches as fresh.

For additional needs, teaching staff meet the SENCO at least termly to discuss children. Parents receiving longer term support are invited to termly meetings about progress and next steps. Speech and language therapy referrals are possible with parental consent. Everyday communication includes Class Dojo, alongside termly reports and conversations with parents, giving families several ways to follow learning and raise concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Reception applications go through North Yorkshire County Council; the school cannot allocate places directly.

Acorn Class already brings Nursery and Reception together, providing continuity of setting. That classroom arrangement is separate from admission entitlement. For children joining early years, repeated classroom visits and stay and play sessions help establish familiarity with adults and routines.

Both 15-hour and 30-hour funded places are offered from the term after a child’s third birthday. Parent funded places can begin at age 3. Ask the school for current charges.

Nursery enquiries go to the school office at admin@rillingtonprimaryschool.org or 01944 758402. School visits can be arranged by appointment, allowing families to view the school before deciding.