Thornton in Craven Community Primary School Nursery

A fenced play area of its own, alongside a place in Beech Class with Reception children, gives this nursery a distinct space within school life. Thornton in Craven Community Primary School's nursery has 10 places for children aged 3 and 4. It has a separate entrance, too.

Beech Class brings the two early years age groups together under a class teacher, with a support staff member also based in the class. For families choosing a school nursery, that shared class is a defining practical feature: younger children already belong to the school's early years group.

Children's interests help shape the learning through the In the Moment approach. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers care, development and learning; here, children choose activities as well as taking part in teaching led by adults. Indoor and outdoor provision lets them pursue interests, with adults using questions and conversation to extend their language.

White Rose Maths supports early number work, including comparing quantities and exploring patterns. Stories, singing and daily poems or nursery rhymes give language repeated attention. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised begins in Nursery/Reception, while role play and discussion help children develop ideas for writing. Mark making has a purpose: children can create notes, signs and stories rather than simply practise on a worksheet.

Technology also enters early years play. Cameras, beebots and iPads provide ways to explore devices, use suitable software and support imaginative activities. The fenced nursery play area gives outdoor learning a defined physical space.

There is an important teaching concern to weigh. At the November 2023 inspection, early years staff needed greater expertise in deciding which knowledge to teach and assess, and some activities did not achieve their intended learning. Leaders were asked to strengthen staff expertise and make activities correspond more consistently with the curriculum. Early years mathematics had a more positive finding: children enjoyed number and pattern activities that developed their understanding of quantities.

Settling starts before the first term. Once a place has been offered, families are invited to an introductory evening, and children visit to meet their teacher, explore the classroom and try activities. Parents receive an induction pack. This gives both generations a first introduction to the people and routines ahead.

Tapestry gives parents daily access to information about their child's learning, making classroom experiences easier to discuss at home. The school aims to identify additional needs early and include every child in its curriculum. Parents are involved when staff have concerns about a child's health, giving families a voice in support decisions.

School meals are prepared on site. That places cooking within the school rather than relying on meals brought in from elsewhere.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through North Yorkshire Admissions, or Lancashire Admissions if they live in Lancashire, and meet the normal application deadline.

The shared Beech Class provides familiarity with the early years classroom and teaching team. That continuity is separate from the admissions decision: being familiar with school does not secure a place.

Children can start in the term following their third birthday, subject to a place being available. Entry points fall at the beginning of the summer, autumn and spring terms. Nursery applications involve contacting the school secretary, arranging a visit and completing an application form.

Funding includes 15 hours of free early education for children aged 3 and 4, with some children of working parents eligible for another 15 hours. To enquire or arrange a look round, call 01282 843381 or email admin@thornton-in-craven.n-yorks.sch.uk.

Parking. Families are asked to leave cars away from school and avoid driving up Cam Lane, which has no footpaths. Allow time to walk the final part of the journey, keeping driveways and pedestrian routes clear.