Child-led Learning That Inspires Curiosity, Confidence and Community
EYFS Learning within our School Nursery
Our engaging private day nursery between Ripon and Thirsk inspires early learning and supports children’s growth
We provide a nurturing, inspiring start for curious young mind. Our private day nursery, set between Ripon and Thirsk, offers a calm, enriching environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our approach supports each child’s natural curiosity while helping them grow in confidence, independence, and joy.
We believe children learn best through play. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed around child-initiated, hands-on experiences, allowing children to explore their interests, ask questions, and make sense of the world in ways that feel meaningful to them. Skilled practitioners and specialist teachers (for music, PE, adventure and language) guide learning gently, ensuring every child is supported at their own pace.
We Nurture The Whole Child
A Premium Early Years Curriculum
Childhood development at our school with a nursery
At Queen Mary’s School Nursery, we provide a rich, balanced curriculum that nurtures every aspect of a child’s early development. Every activity is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and celebrate each child’s individuality.
Children’s communication and language flourish as they are encouraged to listen, converse, and express their ideas with confidence. Through nurturing relationships and skilled guidance, they develop strong social and emotional skills, learning empathy, resilience, and self-awareness in a supportive environment.
Play-Based Learning and Outdoor Exploration
Learning comes alive through rich play opportunities. Sensory experiences, creative activities, and open-ended resources encourage children to investigate, imagine, and discover – building strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Our outdoor provision, including meadows and woodland spaces, offers children the freedom to explore nature, develop physical strength, and build a deep connection with the natural world. Imaginative and role play experiences help children express ideas, develop social skills, and understand everyday life. Music, movement, and rhythm support coordination, listening skills, and self-expression, while also bringing joy and energy to each day.
Nursery Activities and Development
Intentional development through play-based learning
Physical development is encouraged through active, playful experiences – both indoors and outdoors – helping children grow in coordination, strength, and healthy habits. Early literacy, numeracy and personal development are introduced in imaginative, meaningful ways: from baking, storytelling, gardening, preparing our own snacks and tidying up to songs, games and practical problem-solving, laying the foundations for lifelong learning.
Exploration of our natural surroundings and community helps children build an understanding of the world, while opportunities in expressive arts and design allow them to create, imagine, and express themselves through art, music, movement, and role play.
Every element of our EYFS approach is delivered with care, attention, and a commitment to the highest standards, ensuring that children not only learn – but truly thrive – during these formative years.
Social Community is Central to Development
Developing social and emotional skills
Children are encouraged to listen, collaborate, and connect with their peers, helping to create a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels they belong. This foundation of belonging and social responsibility nurtures self-awareness, empathy, and resilience – essential skills that will support them as they progress into both co -educational and single-sex learning environments.