Overdale Community Primary School Nursery Review

Acorns for two-year-olds, a separate room for three- and four-year-olds, and wellies for play in changeable coastal weather: Overdale’s nursery has a clear identity within the primary school. Both rooms have indoor and outdoor resources, giving children places to explore beyond their classroom. The nursery sits at Ashmead Square in Eastfield, Scarborough.

The age groups have distinct teams. Acorns has its own leader and learning support assistants; the older nursery group has an Early Years Leader who teaches, supported by learning support assistants. For parents, that makes the distinction between the two provisions practical as well as physical.

Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides experiences indoors and outside, with provision that children can choose for themselves. Adults add challenges according to children’s interests and learning needs. In parent language, the approach starts with what catches a child’s attention, then gives them something further to explore.

Mathematics also belongs in that play. Children explore number and shape, alongside space and measurement, through free-flow provision. They have opportunities to discuss what they discover and try out early problem-solving. Learning is woven into their activity rather than confined to a formal lesson.

In February 2024, Ofsted found that early-years teaching gave language and communication clear emphasis, with adults using rhymes, stories and songs. Interactions with adults and planning responsive to children’s needs helped develop resilience and respect. This gives conversation a central role in learning. The same inspection identified inaccurate phonics assessment for some pupils across the school, leaving some early readers with books insufficiently matched to their phonics knowledge; this was a school concern rather than a nursery-specific judgement.

Outdoor activity continues in different weather. Children are encouraged to keep wellies at nursery and bring a suitable coat each day, so families should plan for outdoor play as part of the routine.

A drink and snack feature in each session, with options including toast, fruit and flapjack. Children are offered milk daily, while bottles labelled with a picture and name remain accessible. These small routines give children opportunities to manage their own drinking. For lunch, families can choose a sandwich or hot meal, or provide a packed lunch; school dinners carry a separate charge.

Class Dojo connects home and nursery through class events and activities. Parents can also share photographs of family experiences and achievements. For children with SEND, the school invites families to discuss personal provision plans three times a year, by phone or in person, giving additional support a regular review point.

Settling support within the school’s SEND arrangements includes personal tours, meeting a teacher or key worker, contact with previous settings and flexibility to help children settle. EYFS children also receive an initial assessment of social, emotional and mental health needs, informing whole-class nurture support. A speech and language therapist works on site one day a week. The Early Years Leader also holds a deputy safeguarding role, connecting nursery leadership with the school’s safeguarding team.

Separate application. Attending Overdale nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admissions process by the normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

Transition support is a different matter. Across the school, children moving between year groups spend two days in their new classes in July. Within SEND transition support, personal tours and meetings with a teacher or key worker help make a change more familiar. These arrangements support settling; they do not secure admission.

Morning drop-off runs between 8:40 and 8:50, with collection at 11:45 for children attending only the morning. Afternoon drop-off is at 11:45, and collection gates open between 3pm and 3:10. Morning, afternoon and full-day attendance are offered.

Funding includes 15 hours for all three- and four-year-olds. Eligible working parents of children under five can receive 30 hours a week across 38 weeks, on a term-time basis. Some two-year-olds qualify for 15 hours through benefits or specified care and additional-needs criteria. Working-family eligibility codes need revalidation every three months.

After-school care accepts children from age two, running Monday to Thursday from 3:05pm to 5:30pm. Places can fill quickly, so book ahead through the office. To arrange a nursery show-around or speak with the team, call 01723 582360. Bring a named bag containing spare clothes. Uniform is recommended: a school cardigan or jumper with a green or white airtex shirt.