Poppleton Ousebank Primary School Nursery Review

Woodland exploration, stick insects and shapes turned into artwork give Poppleton Ousebank’s early years a character of their own. The nursery forms part of Poppleton Ousebank Primary School in Upper Poppleton, York. Its appeal lies in learning that gives children something concrete to investigate, discuss and make.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 22 and 23 May 2024. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language grows through purposeful activity here. In May 2024, conversations between adults and children gave children repeated chances to practise unfamiliar vocabulary. Children could explain what they were learning: tadpoles and stick insects prompted knowledgeable discussion about how living things develop. Those examples show how an investigation can become a reason to talk, listen and build understanding.

Mathematics also connects with making things. Children used their understanding of shapes in artwork and developed confidence in talking about numbers. Learning therefore involved applying ideas, as well as recognising them. The early years curriculum followed a deliberate sequence, with opportunities to extend learning during the day.

At the May 2024 inspection, a substantial outdoor area, forest school and the school’s woodlands broadened the possibilities for exploration. In May 2024, children enjoyed investigating these spaces and taking part in outdoor learning. Independence and discovery were evident across the early years environment, giving children opportunities to pursue ideas through activity.

For families discussing additional needs, the school’s SENDCo provides a contact through senco@pop.hlt.academy. The school aims to support children through inclusive teaching and collaboration with parents and carers. That makes the parent’s knowledge of their child part of its intended approach.

There is also a regular opportunity for conversation beyond the classroom. Coffee mornings take place in the school hall on each month’s first Tuesday, from 08:45 to 09:45. All parents can attend, with the SENDCo and Wellbeing In Mind team present to discuss questions and offer guidance. This gives families a defined opportunity to meet both professionals and other parents.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process coordinated by City of York Council, by the applicable deadline. Keep that application separate from arrangements for nursery attendance.

Places are allocated by the council using its admission criteria when the school is oversubscribed. Familiarity with the school through nursery should therefore be treated separately from the decision about a Reception place.

Three session options make the daily commitment clear. A full day runs from 08:45 to 15:00; the morning session lasts from 08:45 to 11:45, and the afternoon runs from 12:00 to 15:00. The shorter sessions each last three hours, giving families distinct morning and afternoon patterns.

For afternoon collection, the Community Centre gate beside Nursery opens at 14:55, ahead of the 15:00 finish. Children leaving early must be signed out. General enquiries can be made by calling 01904 795930.