Marton-Cum-Grafton Church of England Primary School Nursery

An outdoor music wall, daily making and a classroom shared with older early-years children give this nursery its character. Nursery children belong to Newby Class alongside Reception children, combining learning together with smaller focus groups. It is an introduction to school life through play, conversation and practical discovery.

Funded nursery attendance can begin in the term following a child's third birthday. The nursery sits within Marton-Cum-Grafton Church of England Primary School on Reas Lane. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025; this judgement covers early years within the school.

Children's interests help shape learning in Newby Class. There is time for activities children choose themselves, alongside focused group work and learning with the whole class. Adults use questions and conversation to extend children's ideas. This gives play a purpose while keeping children's curiosity involved in deciding what happens next.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides learning across seven areas. In practice, that means children develop skills through connected experiences: talking about something they have made, exploring materials or discovering their surroundings. Creative spaces indoors and outside are accessible daily, with opportunities to work on both large and small creations. Children choose ways to join and shape materials, then explain their decisions. Making becomes an opportunity to think and talk, too.

Outside, the music wall brings sound into play. Pans, kettles and guttering become things to experiment with, helping children hear how different materials sound. Songs, movement and classroom instruments also feature in early-years music. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised introduces phonics from preschool, while early-years writing includes making lines, shapes and patterns. Learning about the world includes local outings, stories and role play, giving children experiences they can discuss and question.

Knowing each child matters here. At the February 2025 inspection, early-years children demonstrated independence and listened closely. Purposeful exchanges with adults developed their communication and vocabulary. Adults came to understand individual children quickly, and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) received exceptional support. These are useful foundations for expressing needs and joining in with learning. Across the school, teachers work with teaching assistants.

Lunches are prepared each day in the school kitchen by Mellors Catering. Nursery meals carry a charge; contact the school for current charges. The school excludes products containing nuts or potentially containing them, including food brought for snacks and packed lunches. Messages and payments use the My Child at School app, bringing routine communication and payment into one place.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through North Yorkshire Council, with 15 January the primary application deadline. The school also requires its main-school application and supplementary information forms to be returned to the school office. Treat this as a separate step when planning the next stage.

Transition support is about familiarity rather than admission entitlement. Play sessions help children explore their next classroom, storytelling introduces practitioners, and welcome meetings support parents. These opportunities let children get to know the people and space involved in starting Reception.

The funded offer comprises 15 hours from the term after a child's third birthday. Another 15 hours are available where working parents meet the eligibility criteria. Nursery children can also use BAFTA, the school's before- and after-school club, extending childcare beyond the nursery day.

BAFTA's morning provision runs Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:50am. Afternoon provision runs from 3:15pm until 5:15pm Monday to Thursday, finishing at 4:15pm on Friday. Parents can select one or two hours of provision. The shorter Friday afternoon needs to fit the family's collection plans.

To apply for nursery, complete the Nursery Application Form and Nursery Supplementary Evidence Form and return them to the school within its nursery admissions deadlines. Visits can be arranged through the school office. Contact admin@mcgprimaryschool.org or telephone 01423 322355.