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Nursery at New Earswick 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conversation and cooperation give this nursery its character. From the provision for two-year-olds onwards, children practise listening, sharing turns and treating others kindly. These are useful foundations for joining a group and taking part in learning.
Smarties serves two-year-olds, alongside the nursery for children aged three and four at New Earswick Primary School on Hawthorn Terrace in York. The younger provision occupies a renovated nursery developed in partnership with Joseph Rowntree Foundation. In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to be Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Play shapes the approach to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The school describes exploration as the starting point for learning: children solve problems together, negotiate, imagine and explain their ideas. Planning follows their interests and development, giving adults a way to connect new ideas with something a child already understands. Children's choices help shape what happens next.
Adult conversation adds purpose to that play. In March 2026, staff used precise language and questions that encouraged children to consider their learning. Vocabulary work with two- and three-year-olds helped them collaborate. For parents, the significant detail is the connection between learning to express an idea and learning to work alongside another child.
Children also contribute to planning their next steps and think back over their learning. The approach links learning together rather than treating each part as a separate task. Nursery children can use Bedtime boxes containing a book, biscuit and hot chocolate, making shared reading something families can continue at home.
Settling is supported through an ongoing relationship with families. In March 2026, adults worked with parents and carers across the year to help children become comfortable in the setting. This cooperation also helped staff recognise additional needs early, so conversations with parents contribute to support as well as reassurance.
Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) includes prompt help in early years. The school uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle: support is considered, put into practice and revisited as a child's needs change. Families can contact the SEND coordinator through the school office.
Emotional learning has a practical place too. Early years children learn to discuss feelings and cooperate with others, helping them build relationships while learning how to be part of a group.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through City of York Council's primary admissions route, meeting the deadline for their entry year. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
A pre-visit for Reception can be arranged by telephone. It offers a chance to become familiar with the next setting, while the application remains a separate process.
Wraparound care is offered within the settings for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01904 806446; families can also email office@nep.pmat.academy.
Children can enter the three- and four-year-old nursery from their third birthday. The office handles enquiries for both Smarties and Nursery, giving families one contact point for the two age groups.
Smarties caters for two-year-olds, while the nursery room serves children aged three and four. Children can join the latter from their third birthday.
The approach centres on exploration and play, with planning shaped by children's interests and development. Adults extend learning through conversation and questions.
Adults work with parents and carers throughout the year to help children feel settled and recognise additional needs early.
No. Families must apply separately through City of York Council's primary admissions route.
Contact the school office on 01904 806446 or email office@nep.pmat.academy.
