Melbourne Primary School Nursery

An earlier lunch gives Melbourne’s nursery children their own rhythm within the primary school: they eat at 11.45am. Melbourne Primary School has its own nursery provision on Main Street in Melbourne, York. For families choosing a school setting, the useful detail is how that early years provision connects with the wider staff team and support arrangements.

Lunch provides one concrete anchor in the day. Nursery children eat at 11.45am, ahead of the main school lunchtime, making this a distinct part of their routine rather than simply adopting the older pupils’ timetable.

The early years team includes an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) lead, EYFS teachers and a nursery nurse. Behaviour is taught through The Melbourne Way, which extends from EYFS through the school. Children practise routines and learn the reasons behind expectations. Being ready, showing respect and staying safe are the guiding rules, giving families a clear vocabulary for talking about behaviour at home as well as in the setting.

Additional needs are addressed through the school’s shared SEND arrangements. The class teacher is the first contact for a parent with concerns, with the special educational needs coordinator involved where appropriate. Support can include help within the classroom or work in a small group. This gives families a starting point for discussing their child’s needs rather than having to identify a specialist themselves.

Parents take part in planning and reviewing support. The school uses Passports to Success to record a child’s learning needs, termly targets and the help needed to reach them. Teachers, parents and the SEND coordinator review these each term, so support can be reconsidered as needs change. Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Psychology are among the services the coordinator liaises with.

Physical access has specific provision too. A ramp leads into the school playground, and a wider path at the front provides access to the grounds. These are school facilities, relevant to families considering how their child will use the site.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority. Reception requires a separate application. Choose the nursery for the provision itself, while keeping the school application as a distinct task.

For September 2027 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2027. East Riding residents apply through East Riding of Yorkshire Council; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. There is no supplementary information form required for Melbourne. Families unable to apply online can request school support or a paper form.

For children with SEND moving between classes, information and learning targets are passed to the next teacher in advance. A book explaining the change can be made if it would help the child. That support concerns preparation for change, separate from the allocation of a place.

Enquiries go to the school office on 01759 318369 or admin@mcps.org.uk. A school visit can be arranged by telephone, giving parents an opportunity to discuss the provision in person.

Arbor is the school’s communication app for keeping in touch with parents. Enable notifications to receive messages. Any safeguarding concern can be raised with the designated safeguarding lead through the school, including a concern that feels minor.