St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

At the November 2022 inspection, outdoor exploration and close adult-child relationships were strengths of the school's early years provision. The nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school on Monkgate in York, with nursery teachers and an Early Years Leader forming part of the school team. It is a school nursery with links to the next stage of education.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good following its visit on 22 and 23 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, provides the curriculum framework. The school's early years approach starts with children's language, physical development and emotional and social development. These support later learning in mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, the emphasis is broader than early reading: communication, movement and relationships matter too.

In November 2022, outdoor spaces in early years had been adapted to encourage exploration and greater independence. Children approached learning positively, and adults had established close relationships with them. Curriculum planning. Important learning in early years needed clearer sequencing, and some early years writing tasks did not match children's phonic knowledge, limiting how accurately they could write and use letters. Leaders were asked to give children practice in forming letters that matched the sounds they knew. These concerns matter when considering how play develops into specific knowledge and writing skills.

Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities was a strength in early years in November 2022. Teachers received guidance about individual needs and adjusted teaching while keeping children involved in the same curriculum. For families, that means inclusion involved adapting how children learned, rather than simply expecting them to manage unchanged activities.

The school asks pupils, staff and visitors not to consume food containing nuts on the premises. Safeguarding staff can be reached through the School Office, giving parents a direct route for raising concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through York's primary admissions route by 15 January in the school year their child turns four. A supplementary form also goes directly to the school. Treat this as a separate decision and deadline.

Transition links have a different purpose. The Early Years Leader visits the nursery and discusses children joining the school with nursery staff. Nursery children and staff are invited to Share days and Christmas productions. These contacts help introduce the school community; they do not secure admission.

Nursery applications use a dedicated form returned to the school. The office can be contacted on 01904 659726.

Uniform is practical: a nursery sweatshirt carrying the logo, a white polo shirt and black or navy joggers or leggings, with shorts for summer. Branded items are supplied by Koolkidz in Wetherby. Label clothing and footwear with your child's name so belongings can be identified.