Reedness Primary School Nursery Review

A mud kitchen, a reading shed and shared playtimes with older children give Reedness’s nursery a clear character: early learning with its own space, alongside everyday involvement in village school life. Children can start after their third birthday. The provision belongs to Reedness Primary School on Main Street, Reedness, near Goole.

Early years provision was graded Good by Ofsted at the inspection on 3 and 4 July 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. There is a specific improvement point for families to weigh: outdoor learning needed to do more for early literacy and number skills.

Children’s interests help shape the learning. Reedness describes its approach as child led, with activity areas prepared for children to use. Its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum aims to build understanding of language, numbers and the surrounding world. In practical terms, play and conversation sit alongside the beginnings of reading and mathematical learning.

The large classroom has spaces for construction and painting, a corner for books, and areas for sand and water, drawing and writing. An interactive TV is another resource. These distinct spaces give children different ways to explore an interest, whether through making, mark-making or looking at books.

Outside, the dedicated EYFS playground includes a gazebo and seating, a large play house, trikes and bikes, plus the mud kitchen and reading shed. There is space for movement as well as imaginative play. Children also join older pupils for playtimes and meals, so their day extends beyond the early years area.

In July 2025, staff’s questioning helped children expand their vocabulary and curiosity, and early reading began from the start of children’s time at school. Activity selection was less consistent: some choices supported learning better than others. Outdoor learning. The outdoor environment did not develop literacy and numeracy as fully as other areas. For parents, the useful distinction is between having outdoor equipment and using it purposefully to extend learning.

Lunch can be provided at school. Meals are prepared by Marshlands Primary School and brought to Reedness, with hot and vegetarian choices, vegetables and dessert. Families should tell the school about dietary requirements and any changes, so meal arrangements can take those needs into account.

Across the school, additional support includes help in the classroom and interventions during the week. The staff structure includes a teacher with SEND coordinator responsibilities, alongside designated and deputy safeguarding leads. Parents have a dedicated SEND contact at reedness.senco@eastriding.gov.uk, providing a direct route for discussing additional needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority by its normal application deadline. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is Reedness’s admission authority; families living outside East Riding apply through the authority where they live.

Shared meals and playtimes already bring nursery children into contact with older pupils. That gives them experience of the wider school community. It is an everyday connection, separate from the Reception admissions decision.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Reedness aims to accommodate different patterns, including attendance spread across a couple of days or afternoons across the week. This gives families alternatives to a single fixed pattern.

Parents can use their 15 funded childcare hours, and the school accepts 30-hour codes for eligible families. Additional sessions and school lunch carry charges; contact the school for current charges. To discuss joining or arrange a visit, call 01405 704264. General enquiries can also go to reedness.primary@eastriding.gov.uk.