***You can register your interest by clicking here. Children start the term after their 3rd birthday, but you can apply from birth***
Applegarth’s Governor Led Nursery
Applegarth Primary School opened a Governor Led nursery in September 2023. As a school, we provide nursery provision for children aged 3 and 4 years old. This provision is available for TERM TIME ONLY therefore we are unable to offer ‘stretched provision’. Our nursery provision is led by an experienced teacher alongside Early Years practitioners who have the appropriate qualifications and work to the adult to child ratios required to meet the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
What does our nursery look like?
Applegarth’s nursery is accommodated within our main school building. The provision areas reflect those available in our existing Reception class in school; there will be a clear progression of resources, knowledge and skills from nursery into reception. In Nursery we have a big emphasis on developing gross and fine motor skills and encourage the children to be as physically active as possible. There are areas such as role-play, sand, water, construction, reading, mark making and lots of outside play with access to our onsite orchard, field and Forest School area. The classroom is equipped with suitable furniture, equipment and resources aimed at nursery aged children. Our children will follow the Statutory Framework for Early Years Foundation Stage. This is comprised of the seven areas of learning that describe everything that children do, see, hear or feel, both child and adult-initiated. These areas are: communication and language; physical development; personal, social and emotional development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; and expressive art and design.
Parent/Carer opinions
‘Applegarth Nursery has been incredible for our child’s confidence and independence.
The staff create a caring, nurturing environment where every day offers something
different, often led by the children’s interests. It means our little boy is excited to learn
and keen to go in each day.’
‘The preschool nursery at Applegarth School is truly exceptional. It provides a warm,
nurturing and inspiring environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to
learn. The caring, highly skilled staff foster confidence, curiosity and independence
through imaginative play, structured learning and strong routines, while maintaining
excellent communication and partnerships with families. A wonderful nursery that
embodies everything you would hope for in early years education.’
‘Our daughter was very happy in nursery and was supported by friendly, caring and
patient staff. She has now moved into reception and is thriving. Her confidence and
development from being in nursery to now has sky rocketed.’
‘Our son Ruben had a wonderful experience at Applegarth Nursery. He joined later than
most children but immediately felt comfortable and happy amongst the lovely children
and staff there. Ruben grew in confidence and independence during his time in nursery
and because of this he was excited and ready when the time came to start Reception.
We found the nursery to be a positive & gentle introduction to school life at
Applegarth.’
‘Leonora has settled so beautifully at this nursery, and that’s down to the caring and
supportive staff. Leonora comes home happy every day, and it’s been wonderful to see
her confidence grow.’
‘We couldn’t have asked for a better start for our son than what he had at the nursery. He was always excited to go in, which speaks volumes about the warm and caring environment the staff create.
During his time there we saw real progress in his development, confidence and social skills. He was totally prepared to transition to reception.
We are so grateful to Mrs Burrell, Miss Melville and Mrs Evans for their dedication, care and support and how much they invest in the nursery children.’
‘Our son had a fantastic experience at Applegarth nursery. The range of activities he got to participate in were brilliant and have contributed to his learning and development. It is also a great introduction into school and equipped him with some key skills before starting in reception. The staff are experienced, nurturing and caring.’
‘We’ve been so pleased with our experience at the Nursery. The staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child’s development, creating a safe and nurturing environment where our children have really flourished. We’ve seen a wonderful growth in confidence, social skills, and curiosity, and it’s clear how much care and thought goes into each day. We feel very lucky to be part of such a supportive and welcoming community.’
‘The teachers in Applegarth nursery are so caring and go above and beyond for their pupils! They showed great care and support for our son. He loved going there, and built lovely relationships with the teachers and other pupils. I’d recommend it to anyone!’
‘Applegarth Nursery was a wonderful support in preparing our daughter for school. She quickly became comfortable with daily routines and expectations, making the transition to reception feel exciting rather than daunting.’
Sessions
08.50 – 11.50 – Morning session
11.50 – 12.20 – Lunch club
12.20 – 15.20 – Afternoon sessions
Children must attend 5 days a week. Families can either choose morning sessions (every day); afternoon sessions (every day); or the full 30 hours (every day).
| Example of Charges for a 15 hour child (without staying for lunch) · 15 hour AM sessions are from 8.50am to 11.50am – no charges · 15 hour PM sessions are from 12.20pm to 3.20pm – no charges · There will be a charge for consumables of 50 per day · Total possible charges are £2.50 per week |
| Example of Charges for a 15 hour child (staying for lunch) · 15 hour AM sessions are from 8.50am to 11.50am – no charges · 15 hour PM sessions are from 12.20pm to 3.20pm – no charges · There will be a charge for consumables of 50 per day / £2.50 per week · Lunchtime Supervision fee of £2.90 per day / £14.50 per week · School lunch if required is £2.30 per day / £11.50 per week · Total possible charges are £28.50 per week |
| Example of Charges for a 30 hour child (staying for the lunchtime period) · 30 hour AM sessions are from 8.50am to 3.20pm – no charges with eligible code · There will be a charge for consumables of 50 per day / £2.50 per week · Lunchtime Supervision fee of £2.90 per day / £14.50 per week · School lunch if required is £2.30 per day / £11.50 per week · Total possible charges are £28.50 per week |
Nursery Curriculum
Our curriculum is based around award winning, high quality texts which inspire multiple learning opportunities. We follow a topic theme along with developing lots of the children’s own interests. We are proud of our local environment and like to make real life links wherever possible.
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
| Cycle A | Me and my community | Starry Night/Winter Wonderland | Once upon a time | Signs of Spring | Creep, crawl and wriggle | Big wide world |
| Cycle B | Who am I? | Space | Build it up | On the farm | Ready, Steady, Grow | Holidays |
Frequently Asked Questions
What much will my Nursery fee be?
Nursery Charging Transparency
All charges are approved by the Governing Body.
We adhere to the latest guidance from North Yorkshire Council and Department of Education with regards to charging and provide invoices (on Arbor) broken down into:
· Additional paid for hours – any additional paid for hours will be charged at the current charge of £14 per 3 hour session. Sessions must be pre-booked and be booked as a complete set of morning or afternoon sessions on an on-going basis. At the Headteacher’s discretion, a reduced timetable might be permitted for a limited period, e.g. to aid transition to full-time hours or towards starting Reception class.
· Lunch charges – The current charge for a school-provided lunch in Nursery is £2.30. Pupils can go home during the lunch period, or may bring a packed lunch provided by home. Charges for school lunches will be added to Arbor under the Meals Account.
· Lunchtime Supervision fees – The 30 hours government funding covers the 6 hours your child attends our setting daily. This does not include the 30-minute lunchbreak. However, if you wish your child to stay for lunch, there is a small lunchtime supervision fee of £2.90 PER DAY. This is payable each half term and will be invoiced on Arbor under Nursery Charges. The lunchtime supervision fee is different from the money you pay for your child’s lunch. The lunchtime supervision fee covers the cost of qualified staff looking after your child during the non-funded 30-minute lunch break between 11:50am – 12:20pm. There is an option for your child to be picked up and taken home for lunch between 11:50am -12:20pm, in which case the lunchtime supervision fee does not apply to you.
· Nursery snack charges and non-food consumables charges – charged at 50p per day and invoiced half termly on Arbor under the Ad Hoc account.
· Activities charges – charges may occur for any planned Nursery visits or activities. This will be communicated to parents and carers.
When will charges be raised on your Abor account?
Charges will be added at the end of each month and payment is due within 2 weeks.
| Example of Charges for a 15 hour child (without staying for lunch) · 15 hour AM sessions are from 8.50am to 11.50am – no charges · 15 hour PM sessions are from 12.20pm to 3.20pm – no charges · There will be a charge for consumables of 50 per day · Total possible charges are £2.50 per week |
| Example of Charges for a 15 hour child (staying for lunch) · 15 hour AM sessions are from 8.50am to 11.50am – no charges · 15 hour PM sessions are from 12.20pm to 3.20pm – no charges · There will be a charge for consumables of 50 per day / £2.50 per week · Lunchtime Supervision fee of £2.90 per day / £14.50 per week · School lunch if required is £2.30 per day / £11.50 per week · Total possible charges are £28.50 per week |
| Example of Charges for a 30 hour child (staying for the lunchtime period) · 30 hour AM sessions are from 8.50am to 3.20pm – no charges with eligible code · There will be a charge for consumables of 50 per day / £2.50 per week · Lunchtime Supervision fee of £2.90 per day / £14.50 per week · School lunch if required is £2.30 per day / £11.50 per week · Total possible charges are £28.50 per week |
Getting Help Paying For Your Childcare
Government help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.
Can Nursery children attend Wraparound care?
Nursery children are welcome to attend both Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club.
Breakfast Club: Drop your nursery child off at the Main Entrance from 7:30am where you will be greeted by a member of the Breakfast Club staff. A selection of breakfast options are available along with various activities (colouring, table football, Lego and James Lofthouse football). Children are escorted to their classes for the start of the school day.
Afterschool Club: Children will be escorted by Nursery staff to afterschool club. A light snack is provided. Children access both indoor and outdoor provision. You can collect up until 5:45pm.
Cost: The cost is £4.50 per session/per child for breakfast club and £9.50 per session/ per child for after school care.
Booking via Arbor is required to secure your child’s place at these clubs.
Which sessions do you offer?
All children must attend 5 days per week. There are three options:
- 30 hour provision (morning session, lunch club and afternoon session)
- 15 hours – morning sessions from Monday to Friday
- 15 hours – afternoon sessions from Monday to Friday
Please see charging policy below as there are additional charges for consumables, lunch and supervision.
Who will be leading and teaching in the nursery?
Mrs Burrell, (Early Years Lead)
I am proud to work with such an amazing Nursery team and look forward to teaching your child and working with you as a family. I have a passion for teaching EYFS and love seeing the children learn through meaningful experiences and following their amazing interests.
Miss Melville, (HLTA, ATA)
I am passionate about Early Years and have worked in Early Years for over 12 years and I feel there is something special about teaching children so young, new things and watching them develop. I am also trained as a Forest School Leader and love seeing the children’s imagination come alive through my planned activities. I am Paediatric first aid trained and enjoy sharing my skills in Makaton with the children.
Mrs Evans, (HLTA, ATA)
I have enjoyed working across school with all ages, but my expertise is in EYFS where I have many years’ experience, working with nursery age children as a deputy manager and SENCo. I am also paediatric first aid trained and Makaton trained. I enjoy planning lots of exciting activities which usually involve lots of singing and dancing.
Mrs Wood, (GTA)
What changing facilities are in place?
We have had the accessible toilet refurbished with new flooring, decoration, changing table and cupboards to provide a clean and dignified space for nappy changing. Children who are toilet trained will use the Reception toilets.
See our Intimate Care Policy and Nappy Changing Procedure on the Nursery page.
Will children wear uniform?
We want our nursery children to look and feel like part of the school. We will ask that children in nursery wear uniform. Uniform can be ordered online from: https://school-shop.co.uk/school/applegarth-primary-school/
We have a very good value provider and offer preloved items for a donation too.
What happens after I apply?
Once you have completed the application form (by clicking on the link at the top of the page), Mrs Burrell will process your application and email you with confirmation. You will then be invited to a family welcome meeting where you will receive all of the relevant information. Your child will be invited to a transition session before starting.
