Nursery at Bugthorpe Church of England Primary School

Ladybirds, Bumblebees, Grasshoppers and Dragonflies give nursery children a place in Bugthorpe’s school teams from the start. This is provision connected to the life of a primary school: nursery and Reception sit within Class 1, with a teacher responsible for both. The shared class structure is a useful distinction for parents considering a school nursery.

Bugthorpe’s Church of England identity also shapes its approach to inclusion. The federation aims to give children equal access to learning and school life, and to involve parents in the provision their children receive.

Questions guide the federation’s enquiry approach: children consider what they know, what they want to discover and what they have learned. Topics connect learning across subjects, rather than treating each activity as an isolated task. An environmental officer teaches classes gardening and outdoor learning each week, giving practical exploration a regular place alongside classroom work.

In February 2022, early-years learning connected stories, construction and writing. Meg’s castle prompted model-making and exploration of the Angel of the North and Castle Keep. Party preparations brought another purpose to writing, as children produced invitations and banners. These examples show how a story or shared occasion can lead children from listening to making and communicating their own ideas.

Communication and attentive listening developed through planned activities, with adult questions helping children concentrate on their learning. The outdoor provision had resources suited to children’s interests and needs. These are findings about early years at that time, rather than a separate nursery grade.

Team Challenge Days bring nursery children into activities with older pupils. A subject is chosen each term, and teachers organise activities for teams to rotate through. That gives the youngest children opportunities to participate beyond their own class. Across the school, a February 2022 improvement action concerned subject leaders’ ability to assess teaching and identify how teachers could develop their practice.

Class teachers direct everyday support, assisted by teaching assistants. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the federation aims to identify needs and work alongside parents so children can participate in school activities. Families can contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office, giving them a clear route for discussing additional support.

Safeguarding responsibilities include a designated lead and a deputy at Bugthorpe. The federation participates in Operation Encompass, a partnership between police and education that enables schools to support children experiencing domestic abuse.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority by its normal deadline. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is the school’s admission authority and coordinates applications; families living elsewhere apply through the authority where they live.

Apply on time. Late applications are considered after those received by the deadline, potentially when places have already been allocated. Nursery attendance should therefore be treated separately from the application for a school place.

Breakfast club admits nursery children and opens at 7.45am, with breakfast included. The club operates on weekdays during school terms. This offers an earlier start for families using the nursery; contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office at bugthorpe@eastriding.gov.uk or telephone 01759 368247. Prospective families can also arrange a school visit by telephone.