Sharow Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Digging, building and daily outdoor play give Sharow’s nursery a practical character. Children choose between indoor activities and outdoor exploration, with short teaching sessions threaded through the day. This is the nursery at Sharow Church of England Primary School, on Berrygate Lane near Ripon, accepting children from their third birthday, including before funding begins.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 May 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children were getting a positive educational start and learning cooperatively through play.

Play takes up much of the session. Children pursue their interests while adults talk with them, join their activities and introduce ideas. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines this practical exploration with early language, literacy and number work: children learn through doing and talking, alongside brief adult-led activities.

Daily phonics, short maths sessions and small-group storytelling, creative work and early writing provide the more structured elements. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is the phonics programme used in EYFS; number teaching uses NCETM Mastering Number. These give the early years curriculum named approaches alongside its emphasis on play. Songs and conversations continue beyond teaching sessions, so language practice is woven into ordinary activities.

Outside, children can run, dig, make things and build every day. Indoors, even art materials have a developmental purpose: screw-top containers provide practice for small hand movements. Weekly topics shape the activities children can choose, linking independent exploration with what adults are teaching.

In May 2025, staff interactions helped children extend their vocabulary and mathematical understanding. There was also a clear limitation: some activities gave children too little opportunity to use their learning independently. For families, the useful distinction is between receiving adult help and having time to try things for themselves.

Settling begins with time to explore, form relationships and become familiar with routines. During the first weeks, staff concentrate on helping children feel comfortable; more focused learning is introduced as confidence develops. That gradual shift gives the early nursery experience a different pace from the established daily routine.

Meals are prepared at school each day. Families can send a packed lunch or choose school food, with options including a hot dish, a sandwich or a jacket potato. Adults help children choose food, try unfamiliar tastes and take responsibility for their belongings. Nursery children also receive morning fruit or vegetables, and children under five qualify for free milk. Bring a labelled bottle containing water.

The EYFS teacher also holds the deputy designated safeguarding role. For additional needs, the school says it aims to identify needs early, adapt teaching and involve parents in their child’s education. A SENCO provides a contact point for those discussions, helping families raise concerns through an identified role.

Attending Sharow’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. North Yorkshire residents apply through North Yorkshire Council; families living elsewhere apply through their home authority.

For the September 2026 entry cycle, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That was a separate decision from taking a nursery place. Shared EYFS activity gives children opportunities to build relationships and collaborate, but familiarity with the school must be kept separate from the allocation of a Reception place.

There are three main session choices: mornings run from 08:45 to 11:45, afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15, and the six-hour whole day from 08:45 to 14:45. A morning can extend through lunch until 12:15, and a whole day can extend until 15:15, with additional charges. School dinners are also charged; contact the school for current charges.

Universal funding covers 15 hours from the term after a child’s third birthday. Eligible families may receive 30 hours, with eligibility reconfirmed every three months. The school receives funding for 38 weeks and provides one further week free of charge. Breakfast Club starts at 07:30 every day; after-school care ends at 17:30 on Monday to Thursday.

For afternoon entry and collection at 14:45, telephone the office from the main gate; collection at 15:15 is from the classroom. Application packs and individual visits can be arranged through the office on 01765604362 or admin@sharow.n-yorks.sch.uk.