Bootham School Nursery Review

Weekly woodland visits and conversation through play characterised Bootham’s early years during the inspection of 11 to 13 February 2025. The nursery sits within Bootham Junior School in York, where the youngest children belong to a school shaped by Quaker values. At that inspection, role play made helping others concrete, giving children a way to practise kindness rather than simply hear about it.

The Junior School takes children from age 2. In February 2025, the early years comprised a nursery class alongside a Reception class; the inspection also assessed preparations for admitting two-year-olds and recommended approval of that change. That distinction matters when reading findings from that period.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning. At the February 2025 inspection, planning covered seven learning areas, with communication, movement and relationships developed through activities suited to children’s age. In February 2025, staff supported language and physical development effectively, alongside the social skills involved in sharing and playing together. Learning has practical purposes.

Conversation carried much of the teaching at the February 2025 inspection. Adults introduced vocabulary connected with learning topics and used their exchanges with children to develop speech and understanding. Children became confident in expressing themselves. Role play also introduced what money is used for and how helping someone else can make a difference, connecting early learning with familiar social situations.

At the February 2025 inspection, indoor and outdoor learning spaces were equipped for children aged 2 to 5. Weekly trips to local woodland gave those below school age opportunities to develop movement skills beyond the classroom. Staff helped children work on balance, coordination and strength, while woodland activities also involved cooperation and sharing. Children were encouraged to recognise when they needed to pause and rest. For a parent, the appeal is a combination of physical activity, language and learning to work with others.

Staff had training addressing the needs of two-year-olds in February 2025, and early years staffing met the required ratios. The preparation for younger entrants included teaching across their developmental needs.

At the February 2025 inspection, adults connected English words with the languages spoken at home for children learning English as an additional language. Additional early years English teaching can involve up to four lessons a week, individually or in very small groups. This provides focused opportunities to practise communication.

Lunch is cooked on the premises and included in Junior School fees. Vegetarian choices are offered at each meal, and families can discuss dietary requirements with the catering team, including gluten-free needs, wheat intolerance and nut allergies. For everyday concerns, the child’s teacher is the first contact, with the Head or Deputy Head handling matters requiring further attention.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception continuation and application requirements with the Junior School admissions team. Bootham’s Junior School application process begins with an Application for Admission form; registration date may be considered if places are oversubscribed. Keep the nursery decision separate from the decision about the next school stage.

Part-time nursery arrangements are calculated individually through the finance office. Bootham Junior School participates in the Nursery Education Grant for eligible children aged 3 and 4. Contact the school for current charges and details of the scheme.

Enquiries go to junior@boothamschool.com or 01904 655021. Families can arrange a visit at a mutually convenient time, allowing a discussion with staff before choosing the nursery.