Lakeside Primary Academy Nursery Review

A shorter morning or a full day gives Lakeside’s nursery two distinct shapes. Both begin at 8:45am, within the school’s early years provision in Clifton Moor, York. For families choosing between a morning away from home and a longer session, that distinction is the clearest practical starting point.

The morning option ends at 11:45am; the full day continues until 3:15pm. Those different finishing times matter when matching nursery attendance to family routines and arranging collection.

Across Lakeside’s classrooms, learning includes practical, multi-sensory experiences. Visual prompts and a zone designed to reduce distractions are part of the classroom arrangements, giving children different ways to engage with an activity. The school also uses sensory resources such as cushions for sitting and moving, headphones that reduce noise, and small objects to handle. Movement breaks provide another way to respond to individual needs during learning.

These are school-wide arrangements. They describe an approach that makes room for different ways of learning, rather than expecting every child to engage in exactly the same way.

Starting early years can be gradual where a child needs it. Possible arrangements include a meeting before entry, a visit alongside parents, a staggered start and additional visits involving the previous setting. Social stories may also be used at home and during holidays. These options give families concrete ways to prepare a child for unfamiliar routines, with the arrangements depending on their needs.

For children with special educational needs, parents take part in planning support. Review meetings happen twice a year, with children and parents invited; families can also request input from the SEN team at other times. Support plans are developed with contributions from parents, children and professionals. That gives the family a continuing role in deciding and reviewing support.

The SENCO works with staff on recognising additional needs early and advising on intervention. This provides a route for concerns to become discussions about practical help.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority, including those living outside York who want a York school place. For September 2027 entry, the on-time application deadline is 15 January 2027. York residents can apply through City of York Council’s school admissions service.

Preparation for starting school is a separate matter. Staff contact parents and previous providers to learn about the child, and summer-term taster sessions include lunchtime. These opportunities introduce the next stage’s routines; they should not be mistaken for an admissions advantage.

Session allocation. Nursery sessions are allocated in application order, and completing the application form does not guarantee the preferred session. Families should establish which option has been allocated before building childcare arrangements around it.

Attendance beyond a family’s funded entitlement is chargeable. Childcare vouchers and government tax-free childcare are accepted; contact the school for current charges.

A nursery application form provides the route to requesting a place. School visits can be arranged through the office throughout the year, allowing parents to look around before deciding. Early years children are collected by parents or carers from their class teachers, making the handover a direct one.