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Nursery at Kirby Hill Church of England (VC) Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Caterpillars, new words and early number work give Kirby Hill’s nursery its character. Children belong to an integrated Early Years Unit within the school, rather than a separate nursery setting. The nursery is governor-led and sits within a Church of England primary school in Kirby Hill, near Boroughbridge.
In April 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating. Children were developing independence in play and forming positive relationships, giving families a useful picture of both learning and everyday care.
Language has a clear purpose here. In April 2026, adults introduced vocabulary through conversation and activities, and children used those words in their own play. Observing caterpillars brought scientific language into a tangible experience: children could talk about a butterfly and its cocoon. Early writing included practising names, while the mathematics champion programme supported early number learning.
Read Write Inc. Phonics begins in nursery through daily use of its resources. Children learn connections between letters and sounds, providing a structured starting point for reading. The Early Years Foundation Stage combines communication, physical and social development with literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. It is broader than preparation for reading alone.
The nursery’s 2022–2023 approach combined separate maths and phonics sessions with topic work using Cornerstones Curriculum. Explore Time used In the moment planning, with adults responding to children’s interests. Children could move between indoor and outdoor learning during the day, giving their exploration more than one setting.
Adult interaction. In April 2026, staff sometimes missed chances to link learning and take children’s understanding further. More consistent conversation that extends vocabulary and ideas was an early years improvement priority. This matters alongside the strengths in practical exploration.
By April 2026, staff understood children’s individual needs, including those with SEND, and the youngest children received appropriate care. Children became comfortable with routines, joined group activities readily and played together cooperatively. These are useful foundations for a child learning to manage a session away from home.
School facilities occupy one level and include a hygiene room, a practical consideration for children with personal care needs. Support follows Waves of Intervention, progressing from observation and classroom teaching to individual or small-group intervention and a personalised support plan.
In the 2022–2023 nursery arrangements, families could contribute photographs and information through Evidence Me, allowing home interests to inform classroom activity. Fruit and milk were offered daily, with water bottles in the classroom. Milk was free before a child’s fifth birthday, conditional on completing an application form.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. North Yorkshire Admissions is the contact for school-place enquiries.
Integration within the Early Years Unit provides familiarity with the school setting. Preparatory visits take place during the summer term before children start Reception. Treat that transition support separately from the allocation of a place.
Morning nursery runs from 8.40am to 11.40am; the afternoon session is 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Lunch occupies 11.45am to 12.15pm. Breakfast Club begins at 7.45am and finishes at 8.40am, while After School Club runs from 3.15pm, with collection before 5.45pm. The session pattern therefore gives families options around the nursery teaching hours.
For enquiries or an individual school tour, contact the office on 01423 322713 or admin@kirbyhill.n-yorks.sch.uk. Tours can be arranged at a time suited to the family and focused on the areas relevant to their child.
Morning sessions run from 8.40am to 11.40am, and afternoon sessions from 12.15pm to 3.15pm.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
The nursery uses Read Write Inc. Phonics resources daily to introduce links between letters and sounds.
In April 2026, early years met the Expected standard. Staff needed to extend children’s learning more consistently through their interactions.
Yes. Individual school tours can be booked through the office on 01423 322713 or admin@kirbyhill.n-yorks.sch.uk.
