St Lawrence's Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Play led by children's interests, Forest School sessions and a choice of morning or afternoon attendance give Owlets its character. This is the nursery at St Lawrence's Church of England Primary School on Heslington Road in York, with places from age three. It sits within the school's early years provision.

Ofsted rated early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 29 and 30 November 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children's interests help shape their learning. Practitioners support them to explore the curriculum through play, with sensory exploration and physical activity among the nursery's priorities. The nursery aims to develop confidence and resilience through these experiences. Its approach gives children a part in choosing what they explore.

The early years foundation stage here builds learning from each child's starting point. In November 2023, adults understood those differences and targeted language and communication support closely. Curriculum foundations were being developed during the Nursery Year. For parents, the significant detail is the connection between individual needs and what adults help children learn.

Indoor and outdoor provision areas give children places to explore, while Forest School adds a named outdoor strand. Owlets children have taken part in Forest School sessions and explored their provision areas as they became familiar with nursery routines. Friendship also has a place in the learning: children are encouraged to cooperate and work as a team.

Qualified practitioners support play and learning. The nursery describes its team as experienced. Owlets children have explored the provision areas and made friends while becoming familiar with new routines. The nursery promotes positive friendships, giving social development attention alongside children's learning interests.

Tapestry connects nursery learning with home. Parents can add to their child's Learning Journal, and early years teachers provide weekly updates covering maths, phonics and topic work, alongside suggested activities, songs, games and videos. This gives families specific ways to join in with learning at home.

Children staying for the optional lunch session need a packed lunch from home. The session carries an additional charge, so lunch needs to be included in the family's attendance arrangements.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), early years achievement was especially strong in November 2023. The school's support uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, allowing provision to be reconsidered as a child's needs change.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, using City of York Council's school admissions route and meeting the deadline for their entry year.

Treat nursery attendance and the later school application as separate decisions. Choosing Owlets for its play, language support or Forest School does not settle the Reception application.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. An optional lunch session occupies 11.30am to noon. Flexible sessions allow families to arrange attendance around their needs.

Funded places cover three- and four-year-olds, including the extended entitlement to 30 hours for eligible families. Paid sessions are also offered for children without that entitlement. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery application forms can be obtained from the school office or downloaded. For enquiries about joining, telephone the office on 01904 806486. The school is on Heslington Road, York, YO10 5BW.