Staynor Hall Primary Academy Nursery Review

Familiar songs for the youngest children give Staynor Hall’s nursery a distinctive starting point. Tiny Steps serves two-year-olds, alongside the academy’s nursery provision for three-year-olds. This is school-based early education on Staynor Link in Selby, with morning, afternoon and full-day attendance options.

Singing, imaginative construction and conversation bring the early years curriculum into focus. In July 2025, two-year-olds in Tiny Steps enjoyed nursery rhymes, while early years children eagerly explained their play: a dinosaur woodland made together, or counting the pirates aboard a pretend ship. These examples connect language, imagination and number through activities children can talk about.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the curriculum framework here. Its practical character is visible in those examples: children use words to explain what they have made and numbers to describe their pretend world. In July 2025, learning priorities were identified from early years onwards, and expectations for behaviour began at this stage too.

Classroom arrangements include visual prompts, a space with fewer distractions and practical learning resources. Movement breaks, headphones that reduce noise and supportive seating cushions are among the school’s sensory adjustments. These give children different ways to participate when a busy learning space or a spoken instruction presents a challenge.

The Little Hub provides an additional space for early years children who need a quieter setting or focused help with communication. Storytelling, pretend play and conversation sit alongside practice in listening and taking turns. Children may attend brief, planned sessions, with use adjusted to individual needs. This creates an alternative setting for language and social interaction alongside the main classroom.

For children with SEND, parents take part in planning and reviewing support. Teaching adjustments are the first response to emerging difficulties; more targeted help follows discussion with families. The SENDCO coordinates provision, and the school works with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. School facilities include wheelchair access and a wetroom for physical or medical needs.

Full-day children can bring a packed lunch or have a purchased school lunch. Families can therefore choose between food from home and the school meal.

Nursery attendance 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’s school admissions service; families living elsewhere apply through their own local authority.

For entry in September 2027, applications open on 12 October 2026 and the on-time deadline is 15 January 2027. Keep that application separate from nursery session arrangements.

Preparation also has a practical side. The school encourages families to practise putting away shoes and coats, handling cutlery, washing hands and taking turns. Treasure hunts, drawing together and pretend shops provide concrete ways to rehearse independence and shared activity at home.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Full-day attendance is also possible. Session requests. The school cannot promise to accommodate every requested pattern. Confirm the agreed sessions before arranging childcare around them.

For three-year-olds, 15 funded hours each week begin in the term after their third birthday, with entry terms in September, January and April. The school accepts the government’s 30-hour code for a further 15 funded hours. Some paid places are available for children already aged three who start before their funded term; contact the school for current charges.

Collect a nursery application form from the school office. Tours can be arranged by calling 01757 616428 or emailing admin.shs@ebor.academy.