All Saints Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Language and movement give this nursery its character: children build the talk and physical skills that come before writing, within a mixed Nursery and Reception group. All Saints Catholic Primary School in Thirsk admits nursery children on or after their third birthday. Nursery belongs to Class 1, with a class teacher and an EYFS teaching assistant forming part of the early years team.

The early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 October 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Vocabulary teaching was a clear strength, with attention to language beginning in Nursery. For parents, that gives the provision a specific educational emphasis beyond simply preparing children to sit in a classroom.

Play chosen by children sits alongside activities led by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and care together: communication, movement and social development sit alongside early literacy, maths, creative expression and learning about the world. Children have opportunities to follow their interests, while adults introduce and extend learning.

Physical activity has a clear purpose here. Running, crawling, jumping and climbing help children develop the larger movements that precede finer pencil control. Adults model spoken language during play, helping children develop the talk that comes before putting ideas on paper. This makes early writing preparation something children do with their bodies and voices, as well as through making marks.

Indoor and outdoor learning spaces support the approach, and children are encouraged to fetch resources for themselves. That gives independence a practical expression. Maths is woven into the learning areas, with early years staff concentrating on counting principles. Music also begins in the EYFS, with opportunities to listen, compose and perform using voices and instruments.

In October 2023, vocabulary teaching in early years was highly effective. Planned play activities extended learning from sessions led by teachers, and children enjoyed learning and cooperated in play. The relationship between adult teaching and children's subsequent activities was a strength.

Settling starts gradually. Children begin with a week of sessions lasting an hour, then build up their attendance over the first couple of weeks towards a full day. This gives a new starter time to become familiar with the setting before staying longer. Once application forms have been received, staff contact families to discuss the start date.

Support also responds to children's learning. In October 2023, early years staff checked progress at checkpoints and provided extra help or practice when children needed it. The school has a SEND coordinator and an assistant SEND coordinator, giving families an identified team for discussing additional needs.

An optional meal carries an additional charge. Families should obtain current charges from the school. Parents are also asked to share medical conditions and tell staff when the person collecting or dropping off their child changes, keeping care arrangements informed by the child's circumstances.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through North Yorkshire's online admissions route and complete a Supplementary Information Form. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

The mixed Nursery and Reception group provides familiarity with the early years setting. In October 2023, children in early years were well prepared for their next stage. That educational preparation is separate from the allocation of a school place. A summer information evening is held for new Reception parents, providing a further opportunity to prepare for the change.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to noon; afternoon sessions run from 12:55pm to 3:15pm. The interval between them matters when planning the family's day.

The nursery accepts 15 Hours Universal Free Childcare and 30 Hours Childcare, with limited places for the 30-hour provision. Eligibility and a place both matter. Tax Free Childcare and Universal Credit are also among the accepted support schemes.

To arrange a visit, telephone 01845 523058 for an appointment. Nursery applications go directly to the school, which then discusses the child's start date with the family.