Wilberfoss Church of England Primary School Nursery

Play, early sounds and growing independence shape Wilberfoss’s F1 pre-school provision. Children join nursery aged three or four, within an Early Years unit that brings F1 and F2 together. It is a school-based start with its own nursery curriculum, rather than simply preparation for the next classroom.

Indoor and outdoor learning spaces give children different places to explore. The school aims to build independence through the resources in these environments and through activities that respond to children’s interests.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning about relationships, movement and communication with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Development Matters helps staff plan experiences alongside the statutory framework. For parents, that means learning extends beyond recognising letters and numbers: speaking, managing feelings and playing with others also count.

Playing and Exploring, Active Learning, and Creating and Thinking Critically are the named Characteristics of Effective Learning used here. Children are encouraged to attempt unfamiliar activities, persist with challenges and connect ideas. Their interests help shape the provision, giving play a role in what staff plan.

Little Wandle begins in F1. When appropriate, short sessions introduce initial sounds, with related activities continuing through the week’s play provision. This offers an introduction to phonics at a pace that retains the nursery qualification: sounds are introduced when appropriate.

Creative learning includes experimenting with materials and making marks. The Message Centre gives reluctant writers a reason to try mark making through stories and play, while Talk for Writing is used within EYFS teaching to develop spoken language alongside writing. These are concrete ways of connecting communication with early pencil work.

Physical learning is practical too. Nursery activities include balance bikes, throwing balls and pouring between containers, bringing movement and hand control into everyday learning.

Independence is taught in small steps. The F1 curriculum works towards children managing coats and belongings, sharing resources and taking turns. Its early expectations allow support with separating from a parent, rather than treating confident separation as the starting point. Children also learn to recognise feelings and ask adults for help.

An EYFS leader and a nursery nurse sit within the school’s team structure. For concerns about additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact, with the SENCo available for further discussion. The school uses SEND Passports and termly meetings to review progress, agree targets and discuss support with families.

Across the school, wide corridors, ramps and accessible toilets address physical access. Support can also involve the Speech and Language service or Occupational Therapy. These school-level arrangements provide useful context for families whose child may need additional help.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority for 2027–2028 entry. Families must make a separate application. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027: East Riding residents apply online through the council’s school admissions service, while other families apply through their home local authority.

The shared F1 and F2 Early Years unit is a transition arrangement, not an admissions advantage. Separately, staff handover meetings discuss additional needs and strategies already used, helping the next teacher understand a child’s support.

The school office handles enquiries on 01759 380327 or at office@wilberfossprimary.co.uk. The address is Storking Lane, Wilberfoss, York, YO41 5ND.

School visits can be arranged in advance by telephone. That gives prospective families a direct appointment route when considering the nursery. For an existing pupil, parents can also telephone to arrange a convenient meeting with the class teacher.