Keeble Gateway Academy Nursery Review

Stories, loose parts and outdoor play give Starlings its character. This is Keeble Gateway Academy’s nursery for three- and four-year-olds, within the primary school on Inspiration Way in Thirsk. Children’s interests help shape the learning, alongside activities introduced by adults.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 23 and 24 January 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The distinctive emphasis is on language, familiar stories and growing independence.

Play leads much of the learning. Adults introduce ideas as well as following children’s interests, with short daily phonics and maths activities adding structure. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with exploring numbers, books, creativity and the surrounding world. For parents, that means development extends beyond early reading and counting.

Inside, children can use a home corner, construction resources and art easels, or explore the sand tray and playdough area. These give them different ways to practise ideas: pretend play, building, making and handling materials. Outdoors, a reading den sits alongside climbing frames, a mud kitchen and a water wall. Children can access outside throughout their play and learning time, with indoor and outdoor learning continuing whatever the weather. Drawing and writing materials, crafting and junk modelling extend the choices available. Natural materials also provide sensory exploration indoors and outside, giving children opportunities to investigate materials as well as make things with them.

Early Years Mastery shapes maths, with a number providing the focus each week. Children explore what that number means through practical play; counting and number work also enter routines such as snacks and tidying. Target time provides planned support or further challenge for individuals and small groups, based on their next steps.

Independence was a concrete strength in the January 2024 early years findings: children could access learning activities for themselves. For parents, this gives substance to the emphasis on children directing their play. Language development also drew on the super six stories, revisited until they became familiar.

Relationships support the learning. In January 2024, interactions between early years staff and children were positive, and children showed enthusiasm for their activities. Tapestry connects home and nursery through photographs, observations and comments. Parents can contribute achievements from home, which are celebrated in class during the week.

For children needing additional help, the academy follows a cycle of assessing needs, planning support, putting it into practice and reviewing it. SEND Support Plans may be agreed with families and reviewed together. Elevate’s Inclusion Hub gives academies access to shared expertise, advice and training, adding another route for staff to seek support.

School meals are prepared freshly by a specialist catering team. Menus rotate through a three-menu cycle and change each term with the seasons. This gives families a picture of the school’s catering approach, rather than establishing any nursery meal entitlement.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Keeble Gateway Academy. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child’s next year.

The nursery opens from 9.15am to 3.15pm, with early drop-off from 8.35am to 9.15am. Those hours are useful for checking how the nursery day fits around work and other children’s routines.

Uniform is optional for nursery children. The school’s uniform swap shop is in the main entrance and can be used by all families. Early Years Pupil Premium can provide additional support for eligible three- and four-year-olds, including children whose parents receive certain benefits and qualifying children who have left local authority care. Families receive an eligibility form in their welcome pack.

Enquiries go to the school office at admin@keeblegatewayacademy.org or on 01845 448227. School tours can be arranged by email.