Roecliffe CofE Primary School Nursery

Questions, creative projects and Forest School give Roecliffe’s nursery its character. Nursery children belong to Class 1, where Enquiry Based Learning encourages them to investigate an idea actively and work towards an answer. This is school-based provision with curiosity built into its learning approach.

The Ofsted report dated 13 January 2026 judged the school’s early years provision to be at the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Language development, early number skills and increasing independence are central to the experience.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is organised across seven learning areas, with activities building progressively on what children already understand. In January 2026, early years teaching gave particular attention to early mathematics, phonics and language. Adults use conversations deliberately to extend vocabulary, making everyday exchanges part of learning.

Enquiry Based Learning gives Class 1 a recognisable way of working. Staff introduce a central question, demonstrate skills and support children’s practice before they try things more independently. A project can culminate in artwork, a model or a performance. For parents, the useful distinction is that children participate in exploring the question, rather than simply listening to an explanation.

Outdoor learning extends that approach. Forest School sessions take place through the year with a qualified instructor, connecting classroom learning with practical exploration outside. The emphasis includes solving problems and taking supported risks. In January 2026, the early years outdoor environment supported purposeful learning, while community visits added experiences beyond the classroom.

Assessment also involves talking. At the end of a Class 1 enquiry, children discuss a floor book with an adult to show their understanding. That gives them a way to explain what they have learned orally.

Familiar routines support children’s growing independence. In January 2026, early years children played creatively, related positively to adults and peers, and managed tasks such as handwashing themselves. These small responsibilities matter: looking after personal needs is part of the learning day.

Staff adjust early years activities to individual children’s needs and interests. The Thrive Approach also forms part of the school’s work on emotional and social development, supporting children’s understanding of relationships and wellbeing.

Seesaw and Tapestry connect learning at school and home. Families, staff and children can share learning moments, giving parents a practical starting point for conversations about what their child has been doing.

Attending Roecliffe’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, using North Yorkshire’s online primary school application route and meeting the deadline for their entry year. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

In March 2021, the nursery announced morning sessions from 9am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and full days from 9am to 3pm, with full-time opening planned for April. Those timings belong to that dated arrangement.

For enquiries, contact the school office on 01423 322302 or email office@roecliffeschool.co.uk. Visits can be arranged by appointment. Nursery children enter Class 1 through its brown wooden door, using the double gates for the 9am start.