Nursery at St Peter's School, York

Long stretches of play, an Art Studio and separate sleep spaces shape the plans for The Rise Nursery, opening at St Peter's in January 2027. This is a forthcoming provision for children aged 6 months to 3 years, with three groups: Wrens, Robins and Finches. It sits alongside a separate Pre-School for children aged 3-4, based at the Junior School from September 2026.

The school describes an unhurried approach. The practical distinction matters: families considering The Rise are choosing its planned day and care arrangements ahead of opening.

Play will have time to develop. Children will revisit familiar resources, pursue their interests and explore projects shaped by their own ideas. A workshop approach and Reggio Emilia inspiration will sit alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters informing the curriculum. For parents, that means learning through exploration, conversation and relationships, with adults responding to what interests each child. Curiosity Approach accreditation is an ambition still being pursued.

Stories and singing will feature throughout the day. Adults will use a serve and return approach to communication, responding to children's signals and contributions to build an exchange. Indoor and outdoor environments will change as children's interests develop; each age group will have its own learning and sleeping spaces.

The planned enrichment programme gives this approach concrete outlets. Wrens will have Music & Makaton, Library Time and Tumble Time; Robins will also have Cookery Club. For Finches, Spanish, PE and music will join Forest School and artist-led Art Studio sessions. Practitioner-led enrichment will rotate over six weeks, giving different attendance patterns access to the experiences. Specialist teaching will take place on fixed term-time days, with practitioners offering those sessions on different days during holidays.

Each child will have a Keyperson, giving both child and family a familiar relationship to build on. Planned communication includes Tapestry, daily conversations, weekly newsletters and monthly Letters to You addressed to the child. Parents will also be offered workshops on weaning, first aid, development and welfare.

Meals will be planned jointly by the catering and nursery teams, a chef and a qualified nutritionist. The nursery will be nut-free, accommodate allergies and dietary requirements, and work with families on weaning. Breastfeeding spaces and bottle-feeding facilities will support younger babies. A housekeeping team will handle laundry, cleaning and mealtime support, leaving educators time for children.

Leadership includes a qualified teacher with early years expertise and a deputy safeguarding role. A SENDCo will work across Nursery and Junior School, with the school's medical and safeguarding teams providing further support. Educators will work under a no-lone-working policy.

The February 2025 ISI inspection assessed the existing early years provision, before The Rise's planned opening. Nursery children developed cooperation through turn-taking and confident responses to adults; early years staffing ratios and deployment supported supervision. Those findings concern the provision operating then.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application: apply through the school's online form by 31 December before the September of entry. The process includes an informal assessment and an Early Years Transition Report from the child's current childcare setting.

A successful application brings an invitation to a Summer Term moving up day, when children meet their future teacher and classmates. That is preparation for an offered place, rather than an admissions advantage. Pre-School for ages 3-4 is based at the Junior School, a distinct stage from The Rise's provision for younger children.

The Rise's planned core day runs from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with an optional early session from 7.30am to 8am carrying an additional charge. It will operate for 50 weeks annually, closing for a Christmas week, the last week of the summer holidays and Bank Holidays.

Government-funded hours, up to 30, and tax-free childcare vouchers will be accepted. Funded hours exclude food, snacks, care products and curriculum enrichment. Parents can opt out of the nutrition, care and enrichment package; discuss that option with the Nursery Manager. Ask the school for current charges.

For January 2027 entry, enquire before applying because spaces are limited. Contact the school on 01904 527300 to arrange a meeting and introduction to the nursery site. Families can also book a visit.