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Nursery at Woodthorpe 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud Kitchen play, forest walks in all weather and daily poems give Ducklings its character. This is Woodthorpe Primary School’s nursery provision, welcoming children from age 3 in Woodthorpe, York. Language and exploration shape the experience.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 11 and 12 June and 9 July 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Nursery children’s work with sounds, rhymes and songs received specific praise.
Play has room to develop here. Adult-led activities sit alongside uninterrupted play chosen by children, with planning adapted to their interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical development and social skills with early literacy, maths, creative work and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond practising letters and numbers.
Reggio Emilia informs the learning environments. Outdoor spaces echo the indoor provision, with nature part of the approach. Children dig, use the Mud Kitchen and take regular forest walks in all weather. Mess is expected. Clothing that allows movement and can get dirty suits this kind of day.
Language gets daily attention through shared stories and Poetry Basket. Actions and repeated phrases help children explore vocabulary and the sounds of spoken words; Nursery children learn six new poems each term. Reading for Enjoyment books are kept at the nursery entrance, and children can exchange them with their adult after a session. That gives families a practical way to continue sharing books at home.
In June and July 2024, early years activities were matched to children’s interests and individual needs while keeping clear learning goals. Children showed cooperation and self-control, giving them space to learn alongside one another.
Every term, the early years team uses WellComm to check communication and language development. Individual or group support follows during the week, and a specialist speech and language professional advises the team. This connects the assessment of a child’s needs with specific help. A Nursery Phase Leader forms part of the school’s leadership structure, while the SENCo can be contacted through the office.
Tapestry connects home and nursery through photographs, videos and written observations. Parents can contribute their own experiences and receive notifications of new observations. It captures significant learning moments rather than every activity, leaving staff time to interact with children. Illness, appointments and changes to collection arrangements should go directly to the office by phone.
For children staying over lunch, families choose an Aspens school meal or send a healthy packed lunch containing no nuts. School meals need ordering from home through Swift Kitchen. Snack time includes free fruit, and water is available throughout. Milk is free for children aged 3 and 4 when families apply through Cool Milk. Medical conditions and food allergies require Individual Healthcare Plans coordinated by the office.
Separate application. Attending Ducklings does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal school admissions process by the normal deadline. School-place applications use the ParentPortal within the local authority’s coordinated admissions scheme.
The pastoral team supports transitions within school and moves to another school. That support concerns the child’s adjustment; it does not secure a Reception place.
Morning sessions run from 9:00am to 12:00pm, with afternoon sessions from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Nursery breakfast care runs from 7:50am to 9:00am, and after-school care from 3:30pm to 5:45pm. Nursery families book wraparound sessions through the nursery.
The nursery accesses 15- or 30-hour funding, with parent details needed to claim it. Families may request additional paid sessions after using their weekly funded sessions. Contact the school for current charges.
Children can wear a school sweatshirt. Comfortable clothes that children can manage themselves support independence; keep waterproof clothing, wellies and a complete change of clothes at nursery, with everything labelled. Collection is restricted to adults named by the family, and later changes must go through the office.
For nursery enquiries, email ducklings@woodthorpe.elt.org.uk or telephone 01904 806464. Families can arrange a visit to Woodthorpe.
Ducklings welcomes children from age 3.
Morning sessions are 9:00am to 12:00pm. Afternoon sessions are 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Yes. Breakfast care is 7:50am to 9:00am and after-school care is 3:30pm to 5:45pm. Book nursery wraparound sessions through the nursery.
Children staying over lunch can have an Aspens school meal, ordered at home through Swift Kitchen, or bring a healthy packed lunch containing no nuts.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal school admissions process. School-place applications use the ParentPortal.
