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Nursery at Knavesmire 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two nursery rooms give Knavesmire's youngest children distinct starting points: Little Seedlings for two-year-olds and Knavesmire Preschool for children aged three and four. This is the school's own nursery on Trafalgar Street in York. Children enter each room from the term after the relevant birthday, rather than immediately on turning two or three.
The distinction matters for continuity. A child already enrolled in Little Seedlings can move into Preschool without another nursery application. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 11 and 12 October 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school and predates the two-year-old expansion introduced for Easter 2026.
For three- and four-year-olds, the early years foundation stage (EYFS) takes practical form through conversation, movement, stories, making things and exploring the world. Development Matters guides children's development, while Wellcomm supports language assessment and teaching. Adults extend children's vocabulary by building on what interests them and helping them explain their ideas through storytelling and pretend play. Talk has a purpose here.
Hands get plenty to do. Dough Disco and playdough develop finger strength; drawing, cutting and handling tools build control for later writing. Literacy activities introduce initial sounds and encourage children to discuss stories and represent their names in writing. Mathematical work includes matching quantities to numerals up to five, comparing amounts and making repeating patterns. These are small, concrete steps towards using words, marks and numbers independently.
The Forest School garden brings natural materials into learning. Children explore wood and leaves, learn to care for plants and take part in Forest School across the year. Gardening includes growing fruit and vegetables, while outdoor water play adds another practical context for maths. Indoors and outdoors, movement activities include balance bikes, scooting, pedalling and tackling apparatus safely.
Creative work includes collage, colour mixing and printing with sponges or natural objects. Bells and tambourines give children ways to experiment with sound. The combination lets children practise physical control while making choices about what they create.
Independence is taught through everyday tasks. Nursery learning includes managing coats, shoes and lunch boxes, alongside developing awareness of handwashing and toileting. Emotional learning starts with recognising feelings and seeking comfort, then moves towards friendships and resolving disagreements. These routines make self-care and relationships part of the learning day.
Children staying for a full day need a packed lunch. Little Seedlings has a higher-level teaching assistant as room lead, supported by teaching assistants. For three- and four-year-olds, Wellcomm screening takes place at the start of the year where appropriate; the results can guide targeted teaching. Parents with concerns about special educational needs or disabilities can speak to their child's teacher or contact the SEND coordinator directly, giving families a clear starting point for discussing support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Nursery and Reception applications are separate, and having a nursery place has no influence on Reception allocation. Families must apply again through the normal school admissions route, using the local authority's ParentPortal, and meet the applicable deadline.
Preparation is a different matter. The nursery's personal and social learning includes talking about moving to Reception and the feelings that change can bring. That helps children discuss the next step; it does not change the admissions position.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, with afternoons from noon to 3pm. Full-day attendance is also offered. Bookings cover complete enrolment patterns, while wraparound is booked by session. Early collection or absence does not reduce the charge for a booked session, so the pattern needs to fit family routines.
Funding options include 15-hour and 30-hour entitlements, depending on family circumstances. Non-funded attendance is charged; there are no separate charges for food, consumables or activities. Contact the school for current charges.
The next nursery enrolment is January 2027. Applications use the Nursery Application Form, and the office handles enquiries at admin@knavesmire.elt.org.uk or 01904 806545. Nursery visits can be arranged through the office for 3.15pm, after the nursery day.
Little Seedlings takes children from the term after their second birthday. Knavesmire Preschool takes children from the term after their third birthday and caters for three- and four-year-olds.
Morning sessions are 9am to noon and afternoon sessions are noon to 3pm. Full-day attendance is also offered.
No. Nursery attendance has no influence on Reception allocation, and families need a separate school application through the local authority's ParentPortal.
Children attending for a full day need a packed lunch.
Yes. Contact the school office to arrange a nursery visit at 3.15pm.
