Every day in our Nursery is thoughtfully planned to help children feel happy, confident, and ready to learn. We provide a gentle balance of familiar routines, play, and high-quality teaching, so children feel secure while enjoying new experiences.
In the first few weeks, we take time to help children settle, build relationships, and feel at home. As their confidence grows, the rhythm of the day develops to include more focused learning alongside plenty of time to explore and play.
A calm and welcoming start
Children are warmly welcomed into nursery each day and quickly settle into activities that interest them. This relaxed start helps them feel comfortable, reconnect with friends, and begin the day positively.
Learning through play and exploration
Much of the day is spent in play, where children follow their interests and learn through hands-on experiences. They can move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, choosing from a wide range of carefully planned activities.
Adults are always nearby—joining in, encouraging, and gently guiding learning through conversation and shared play.
Gentle teaching and guided learning
Throughout the day, children take part in short, well-planned sessions led by our experienced team. These include:
· daily phonics to support early reading
· short maths sessions to build number confidence
· small group activities such as stories, early writing, and creative experiences
These sessions are carefully adapted so that every child feels supported and successful.
Time outdoors, every day
Being outside is a special and important part of life at Sharow.
Children spend time outdoors every day, exploring, moving, and learning in our extensive outdoor environment. Whether they are building, digging, running, or creating, outdoor learning supports their confidence, independence, and wellbeing.
Snack and social time
Children enjoy a healthy snack during the day, sitting together and chatting with friends. These moments help develop independence, conversation skills, and a strong sense of community.
Lunch and school meals
At lunchtime, children come together to enjoy their meal in a calm and sociable environment.
Families can choose between a school meal or a packed lunch from home. Our school meals are freshly prepared on site each day using high-quality ingredients, with a focus on healthy, balanced options.
Children can choose from a hot meal, a lighter option such as a jacket potato or sandwich, and there is always a variety of fruit or dessert available.
We support children to become independent at lunchtime, helping them to make choices, try new foods, and manage their own belongings.
You can find out more about our school meals here:
https://sharow.n-yorks.sch.uk/families/school-meals/
Stories, songs and language
Stories and talk are woven throughout the day. Children enjoy listening to and sharing stories, joining in with songs, and developing their language through conversations with adults and each other.
A gentle end to the day
At the end of the session, children come together to reflect on their day, celebrate small successes, and prepare for home time in a calm and positive way.
Wraparound care
We offer flexible childcare beyond the nursery day to support families.
- Breakfast Club runs every day from 7:30am until the start of the school day
- After-school provision runs until 5:30pm (Monday to Thursday)
These sessions provide a relaxed, friendly environment where children can enjoy a range of activities and spend time with friends.
Find out more about our wraparound provision here:
https://sharow.n-yorks.sch.uk/families/wrap-around-care/
A day shaped around your child
While we have a clear daily rhythm, every day is responsive to the children in our care. We follow their interests, celebrate their individuality, and make the most of each moment—ensuring every child feels happy, valued, and ready to learn.