The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Scarborough College
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A shaded terrace, grassed playing fields and Forest School give Little Owls a distinctly outdoor character. This is Scarborough College’s own nursery on its Filey Road campus, with entry from the term after a child’s third birthday. It combines structured play with teaching from subject specialists across the College, so children encounter more than a single classroom team.
The September 2025 ISI inspection found that early years children progressed well and developed confidence through a creative, varied curriculum. Those findings cover the early years provision, rather than constituting a separate nursery grade.
Structured play is the starting point. Language, early number work, science and creative activities sit alongside specialist sessions, with more formal learning introduced gradually as children’s interests and skills develop. The Early Years Foundation Stage approach connects learning to communication, physical development and relationships: here, counting, stories and movement provide concrete ways to practise those skills.
In September 2025, early years children counted a crocodile’s spots and estimated falling leaves. Story discussions encouraged thoughtful answers, while phonics helped children form written words. These are useful examples of learning through objects, conversation and imaginative material rather than relying solely on worksheets.
Yorkshire Pebbles extends the day outdoors. Forest School and surfing at Scarborough North Bay are part of the nursery’s programme, giving exploration a setting beyond the playground. Back on campus, the terrace and playing fields provide outdoor space alongside the purpose-built nursery facilities. Specialist teaching includes French, music, dance, swimming and PE, bringing different kinds of activity into the learning programme.
Physical play has specific equipment behind it. In September 2025, early years children used tricycles, a climbing frame and a miniature assault course, including taking a model baby for a walk. Dance and musical activities also involved working together. Learning to recognise emotions, share equipment and help tidy away linked independence with consideration for other children.
Each child is allocated a key person when they start nursery, giving families a defined member of staff to connect with. Regular staff supervision meetings helped the early years team understand individual needs in September 2025, and communication with parents supported children’s development and wellbeing.
Food and drink are included in nursery fees, with lunch and two snacks specified. There is an important session distinction: lunch is excluded for children attending only in the afternoon. That matters when planning meals around a shorter nursery day.
All early years staff held paediatric first-aid training in September 2025. Safeguarding routines included securing teachers’ digital devices during the day and reminding visiting adults about digital-device rules. These are practical protections specific to working with young children.
Attending Little Owls does not guarantee a Reception place at Scarborough College. Contact the admissions team to confirm the Reception application steps for existing Little Owls families. The College uses online applications, and Prep School entry, including Reception, depends on availability.
There is also no obligation to continue at Scarborough College after nursery. Choosing Little Owls can therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself, while the next school place remains a separate family decision.
Little Owls runs during College terms and closes for school holidays. Full days run from 8am to 6pm; mornings finish at 1pm, when afternoon sessions begin. The minimum booking is six sessions, combined as full days, mornings or afternoons, subject to availability. Families should weigh that minimum against the pattern of childcare they need.
Government-funded hours are accepted subject to government criteria and the six-session minimum. A voluntary contribution covers consumables, meals and snacks, and special classes. Contact the College for current charges.
Children wear school uniform. Nursery applications use OpenApply, and families considering Little Owls are encouraged to arrange a visit. The College’s contact form accepts visit requests; telephone enquiries can be made on 01723 360620.
Children can start from the term after their third birthday.
Full days run from 8am to 6pm, mornings from 8am to 1pm and afternoons from 1pm to 6pm. A minimum of six sessions is required, in combinations dependent on availability.
Yes, subject to government criteria and a minimum booking of six sessions. A voluntary contribution covers consumables, meals and snacks, and special classes.
Yes. A member of the nursery team is allocated as your child’s key person when they start.
No. Reception admissions are separate, and Prep School places depend on availability. There is no obligation to remain at Scarborough College after Little Owls.
