Hob Moor Community Primary Academy Nursery

In October 2022, Hob Moor’s early years provision combined play linked to learning, indoor and outdoor learning areas, and reading from the start. The nursery sits within Hob Moor Community Primary Academy on Green Lane in Acomb, York. The school’s age range begins at three; this is nursery provision within a primary school.

In October 2022, Ofsted found that the early years environment stimulated children’s learning, with daily planned activities encouraging curiosity. That gives families a useful picture of the educational emphasis: children explore through play, with adults helping turn their interests into learning.

Indoor and outdoor learning areas both formed part of the early years experience in October 2022. Learning therefore extended beyond the classroom, with both spaces supporting children’s activities. The useful distinction is the purpose of those spaces: they supported learning rather than simply providing somewhere to spend time.

Planned opportunities each day connected play with learning and encouraged children to be curious. Adult support was part of that process, and children responded well to it. For a parent considering a first school experience, this points to a day in which exploration and teaching work together. Play has an educational purpose.

Reading began at the start of early years. Staff had phonics training each week, using those sessions to share teaching practice and reinforce the approach. This placed early reading alongside the play-based learning described in the early years findings.

Children also understood the routines and showed respect towards one another. Those findings matter alongside the activities themselves: knowing how the day works helps children take part, while respectful relationships shape their experience of learning with others.

Family involvement was a practical part of settling into early years in October 2022. Parents and carers were invited into school for learning sessions, including hearing children read and watching teaching. These opportunities helped younger children settle successfully. They also gave families a direct connection with the learning children were beginning to experience.

Support from staff received a positive response from children. Alongside familiar routines and respectful interactions, that is useful evidence about how the early years experience felt for children at that time. The picture combines adult guidance with opportunities for families to participate, rather than treating settling as separate from learning.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions; nursery attendance should never be treated as confirmation of a future school place.

The school address is Green Lane, Acomb, York, YO24 4PS. For nursery enquiries, contact Hob Moor Community Primary Academy by telephone on 01904806655. This provides a direct school contact for families considering the provision.