Explorers Nursery at Queen Ethelburga's Prep School

A woodland play area and a singing basket gave the inspected early years provision a character of its own in November 2023. This is the nursery provision at Queen Ethelburga's Prep School on Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, for children aged 3 months to 4 years, including Pathfinders Pre-School for ages 3 to 4. The practical choice extends beyond age: families can book nursery half days or full days, while Pathfinders has its own attendance patterns.

ISI judged the registered early years provision outstanding following its visit on 14 to 15 November 2023. That judgement covered children from three months to three years, including the kindergarten. It should be read within that age boundary, rather than as a rating for the entire current nursery age range.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes shape through play, conversation and activities adjusted to children's development. In November 2023, staff used observations and information from parents to decide how much help or challenge each child needed. Children's interests influenced the learning planned for them. This gives parents a useful picture of the approach: adults build on what a child can already do, then introduce something new.

Books and movement supplied concrete examples. Younger children explored picture books, recognised animals and attempted words; older children matched actions to familiar songs. A movement activity involved imitating animals and stretching, bringing physical development into imaginative play. The singing basket let children select objects associated with songs, giving them a way to choose what to sing.

Outside, children investigated water flowing down a slope and used leaves in imaginative cooking. Woodland space added another setting for exploration. Indoors, bricks and a ball-pit gave the youngest children manageable physical challenges. These November 2023 examples show learning through trying, choosing and repeating, with time for children to develop their own ideas.

Familiar adults and routines mattered in November 2023. Children had close bonds with their key person, and recognisable cues helped them anticipate meals, sleep and going home. Children showed emotional security and settled readily into the daily routine. For a parent thinking about separation, those relationships are a meaningful strength of the inspected provision.

Meals also supported independence. Children practised using cutlery and helped clear their plates and flannels. Staff accommodated allergies and food preferences, sharing information about individual dietary requirements across the team. Care therefore included both eating together and learning small tasks for themselves. In November 2023, children also practised dressing themselves and putting on hats for outdoor play, making everyday routines opportunities for independence.

Additional needs received support from practitioners and visiting professionals. A speech and language teacher worked with families and staff; sign language helped some children communicate independently. Safeguarding was effective in November 2023, with training for practitioners, checks on adults and regular scrutiny by leaders.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application decision, following the normal application process and its deadline. The Admissions Team is the contact for applications to Queen Ethelburga's. Keep the decision about a nursery place separate from the decision about the next school stage.

Explorers requires a minimum of 2 days' attendance and nursery fees are paid monthly. Pathfinders requires at least 3 days, with bookings for 3, 4 or 5 days. Its calendar options are year-round attendance over 51 weeks, QE Term Time or North Yorkshire Term Time. These are different commitments, so match the booking pattern to your childcare needs.

Since January 2026, government funding has been accepted for children aged 9 months to 3 years. Eligible families can access 30 funded hours each week over 38 weeks, either during term time or spread across the year. Tax-Free Childcare is also accepted. Late collection attracts an additional charge; contact Admissions for current charges. Enquiries can be made through a contact form, by telephone or by email, and Open Day bookings are available.