Askwith Primary School Nursery Review

Outdoor learning belongs to both halves of the nursery day at Askwith, rather than being confined to a separate break. Nursery children share Class 1 with Reception, placing the provision within the school's early years group. Children can start in the term after turning three, and attendance follows school terms.

The distinction between school and early years judgements matters here. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 9 and 10 November 2022. This covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Morning and afternoon sessions each last three hours, with a lunchtime interval between them. Access to outdoor provision runs through both sessions: nursery children do not have a separate scheduled break. That gives outdoor activity a place within their learning time, rather than making it solely a pause from it.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through play with early skills in reading, writing and mathematics. In November 2022, early years teaching included daily work on pencil grip and forming letters. Children were developing reading, writing and counting skills appropriate to their ages. These are concrete foundations for later learning, alongside the opportunities to learn through play.

Consistency was the concern. In November 2022, recently appointed staff were still learning how to extend children's thinking through questions during play, and the early years curriculum was being implemented unevenly. Leaders had made this a training priority, using lesson study to develop practice. For parents, the issue is the adult interaction around an activity as well as the activity itself.

The team includes an EYFS leader and a nursery lead whose role is EYFS Educator. Teaching assistants work across the school as needed. This places nursery care within the wider staff structure.

Lunch can come from home or be a school meal. Children having school lunch eat in the school hall, where staff assist them and encourage unfamiliar foods. Families should tell the school about food allergies. Class 1 also receives a morning fruit or vegetable through the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school involves parents through progress meetings, monitoring and informal conversations. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher, while the SEND coordinator can be contacted through the school office. This gives families routes for discussing needs and reviewing support.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority by the relevant deadline. North Yorkshire residents apply through North Yorkshire; families living in Otley apply through Leeds City Council. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026.

Sharing Class 1 with Reception means nursery children already belong to the same early years class structure. That familiarity is separate from the allocation of a school place.

Sessions run from 9am to noon and from 12.30pm to 3.30pm; lunchtime supervision covers noon to 12.30pm. The 15-hour universal entitlement corresponds to five three-hour sessions. Eligible families can claim an additional 15 funded hours, taking the total up to 30.

Extra sessions depend on space and are booked ahead for the whole term. Breakfast Club is accessible from 8am, while Cedar Club extends care until 5.30pm. Lunch supervision, school meals, additional sessions and club care carry charges; contact the school for current charges. Term-time attendance means families need a separate plan for school holidays.

To register, complete and return the nursery application form. Enquiries go through the school office on 01943 462896 or askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.