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Nursery at Stillington Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play led by children's interests sits alongside life in a mixed-age classroom at Stillington. Nursery children join Class 1 with Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, making this provision part of the school's everyday teaching rather than a separate nursery setting. Children can begin straight after their third birthday.
The nursery aims for a family atmosphere, with individual next steps shaped by what catches each child's attention. That gives parents a useful picture of its intended character: personal interests help determine the learning, rather than every activity starting with an adult's chosen theme. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 5 to 6 March 2024.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines play with planned teaching. Topics develop through small learning steps across seven areas, while children practise exploring, persisting with a task and connecting ideas. Weekly planning responds to their changing interests and next steps, so the programme has room to follow a child's curiosity.
Mornings include phonics and a maths or literacy activity. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds is the phonics programme, with daily teaching extending to Nursery. Afternoon adult-led activities include creative work, learning about the world, physical education and personal and social development. Movement also closes the day: pen disco, funky fingers and squiggle whilst you wiggle provide named examples of activities for smaller hand movements and larger body movements.
Indoor and outdoor spaces give children regular opportunities to explore through play. The EYFS area sits alongside outdoor learning spaces and forest school sessions. In March 2024, adults supported early language development through role play, giving children opportunities to build vocabulary while playing.
Matching activities to age. In March 2024, some Nursery curriculum content still needed clearer definition, and activities sometimes failed to suit every child in the mixed-age group. The required improvement was to match activities more closely to different ages. For families, the important distinction is between sharing a classroom and receiving learning suited to a nursery child's stage.
Settling starts before the regular attendance pattern. Families can use a morning or afternoon transition session to help their child become familiar with the environment and Early Years team. A taster day can also be arranged through the office.
A communication planner carries everyday messages, while Tapestry shares learning and development with parents. These serve different purposes: the planner supports practical exchanges about settling and progress, and the online journal gives families examples of their child's learning.
School meals are prepared daily in the school kitchen, with a jacket potato option alongside school dinner. Packed lunches are also accommodated. Parents are asked to avoid food containing nuts; the school describes itself as allergy aware. For additional needs, families can contact the SENCO through the school office. Staff receive child protection training and follow procedures for raising concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through North Yorkshire's admissions team. The application window runs between October and January for the following September, with the deadline described as the start of January.
A summer meeting with the EYFS class teacher brings Reception parents together to discuss routines and share information before September. This preparation is separate from the allocation of places: familiarity with the school does not replace the application.
Families can choose morning, afternoon or full-day attendance, on a part-time or full-time basis. Morning sessions run from 9am to 12pm; afternoons run from 1pm to 3.30pm. Hours outside government-funded childcare coverage are charged. Contact the school for current charges.
Wraparound eligibility. Nursery children can use wraparound care only if spaces remain and they are four years old. Book by email through the office by the Friday before care is needed. Breakfast club includes breakfast options, and after-school care includes a snack.
For a visit or nursery enquiry, email stillingtonoffice@foston.n-yorks.sch.uk or telephone 01347 810347. Visits give families an opportunity to discuss their child's attendance pattern before arranging a start.
Children can start straight after their third birthday.
Morning, afternoon and full-day attendance are offered, either part time or full time. Mornings are 9am to 12pm and afternoons are 1pm to 3.30pm.
Families are offered a morning or afternoon transition session before their child begins attending on set days. The office can also arrange a taster day.
No. A separate application goes through North Yorkshire's admissions team, between October and January for the following September. The deadline is described as the start of January.
Only if spaces are available and the child is four years old. Book through the school office by email by the Friday before care is required.
