Ingleby Greenhow Primary School Nursery Review

Drawing Club, woodland learning and space to make marks give this nursery its character. Children can start from age 3 at Ingleby Greenhow Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, joining its early years provision within a village school whose grounds cover two acres. This is a school setting with outdoor learning built into its life.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) provides the starting point for learning here. Most years, early years children share a classroom with Key Stage 1, following shared topics about the world at an appropriate developmental level. For parents, the mixed-age arrangement is an important part of the nursery's identity.

Drawing Club brings stories, drawing and early writing together through sessions led by children's interests and suited to their development. Classroom materials for making marks also support daily art activities chosen by children. That gives early expression a place alongside more structured learning, rather than treating drawing simply as a finished picture to take home.

Early reading has a named approach: Read Write Inc. Phonics. In November 2022, Ofsted found that early years children enjoyed daily phonics, connected sounds with letters and progressed quickly in reading, with additional sessions for children needing help. Counting conkers was another early years example from that inspection: outdoor objects became practical tools for learning mathematics.

The school grounds include an outdoor classroom, sensory gardens and a pond with a wildlife area. Wooded areas support Forest School, with activities including birdwatching, building dens and natural crafts. Thursday afternoons bring whole-school Forest School; wellington boots and clothing suited to the weather are required. For families, outdoor kit is part of preparing for learning, rather than an occasional extra.

Support can be individual as well as shared. Across the school, children sometimes learn with an adult individually or in small groups, either for extra help or to extend their learning. Support plans use individual targets, with parents and carers contributing through meetings and reviews. This gives families a defined role in discussing what their child needs.

The Nurture Room provides somewhere to relax and manage emotions. Free drawing is also used daily across the school to support emotional expression and transitions between activities. These are school-wide arrangements, rather than a separate nursery care programme.

School meals carry an additional charge, and parents supply nappies and wipes. Families should contact the school for current charges. Dietary and health requirements, emergency contacts and parental responsibility details are collected before children join, helping staff prepare for individual care needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. The school uses North Yorkshire's admissions arrangements; the council's admissions service is the route for that application.

Learning preparation is a separate matter. In November 2022, nursery children were developing the basic knowledge needed for the next stage within the school's early years setting. That educational continuity must not be mistaken for an entitlement to a place.

Funded provision begins in the term following a child's third birthday. The entitlement is 15 hours for 3- and 4-year-olds, or 30 hours for working parents with the appropriate working parent code. Additional privately paid hours and charged school meals are available.

Nursery children are invited to use wraparound care. Breakfast club runs from 7.45 to 8.45, with toast or cereal and quiet games. Direct nursery enquiries to the school office on 01642 722675 or admin@inglebygreenhow.n-yorks.sch.uk. Visits are welcomed, giving families an opportunity to discuss joining the early years setting.