Applegarth Primary School Nursery

At the September 2023 inspection, outdoor exploration gave Applegarth’s early years a distinctive thread: sessions in the on-site forest school setting connected classroom learning with practical problems children tackled together. The governor-led nursery takes children from age three and sits on the primary school site in Northallerton.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 September 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Language, friendships and learning outdoors are the clearest features of the early years day. In September 2023, staff helped children expand their vocabulary and build knowledge for the next stage of education. Most activities were planned thoughtfully. For parents, the emphasis is on children developing the words and understanding they need to take part in learning.

The early years foundation stage also includes learning how to recognise emotions and build positive relationships. These are practical skills for joining a group, expressing a feeling and becoming comfortable with school routines.

Weekly forest school opportunities brought early years children into the school’s outdoor learning area in September 2023. Learning there connected with work indoors, while shared problem-solving helped children practise working with others. Outdoor time had an educational purpose as well as providing space to explore.

Settling into routines was a strength of early years provision in September 2023: children became familiar with the patterns of school life quickly, helping them feel at ease. Staff also taught children about emotions and friendship, linking personal care with their developing social skills.

Nursery staffing includes a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Training within this nursery role covers Makaton, speech and language development, Early Years practice and Early Years SENDCo. Those areas are relevant to children developing communication and to families whose child needs additional support.

Across the school, SEND support follows Assess, Plan, Do and Review: staff identify a difficulty, plan support, put it into practice and review the response. Parents take part in termly SEND review meetings, with additional informal contact when needed. This gives families a continuing role in discussing their child’s needs.

The school’s Rainbow Room can provide a quieter space for sensory breaks where a child has more complex needs. Specialist involvement, including speech and language therapy, is discussed with parents and requires their written consent. Before admission, families provide dietary and allergy information alongside health requirements and emergency contacts, so staff can prepare for individual care needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through North Yorkshire Council’s admissions arrangements and meet the normal deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from choosing nursery.

Transition support addresses the child’s experience of moving on. The school communicates with nurseries about individual needs, makes nursery visits and arranges transition days. For children with more complicated SEND needs, it aims to obtain temporary funding to support the move. These preparations help staff understand a child before the change of class; they do not secure admission.

Applegarth Primary School is on Upwell Road, Northallerton, DL7 8QF. Nursery enquiries can be directed to the school office on 01609 773521 or by email to admin@applegarth.n-yorks.sch.uk. For a discussion about SEND requirements, families can arrange an appointment with the school.