Rise and Shine Early Years

Beach experiences that lead to pirate play and rock-pooling learning give Rise and Shine Early Years a recognisable coastal character. In September 2025, these outings fed activities back at the nursery, connecting children's experiences outside with their learning indoors.

Based at Monkhouse Primary School in North Shields, the nursery has capacity for 56 children. Children attending in September 2025 were aged 0 to 4; that is the age range at that visit.

At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that learning was planned ambitiously, with skills developed in a considered sequence.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the September 2025 activities included conversation, physical play and exploring the world. Babies' communication and movement skills were considered in preparation for their next room.

In September 2025, staff expanded children's spoken phrases and introduced vocabulary during snack time. A treasure hunt encouraged three-year-olds to explain their ideas and talk about their surroundings. Older children used the school hall for exercise and discussed how their bodies felt afterwards.

Outdoor learning was being developed, alongside regular beach experiences. Everyday transitions were also being used for counting practice, but this approach needed to become more consistent. The improvement point was specific: make these moments contribute more reliably to learning.

In September 2025, babies' sleep followed their home routines, with staff responding when they became tired. Younger children sought familiar adults for play. Eating arrangements had also been revised to strengthen supervision and reduce distractions during meals.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff supported children's progress effectively through professional advice and planned targets, while identifying a need to evaluate whether parents received and understood important messages.

Communication then combined an electronic application with face-to-face meetings. Some parents did not use the application, making the follow-through on messages important. Managers also supported staff with balancing work and family responsibilities, and staff felt able to discuss concerns with them.

The address is Monkhouse Primary School, Wallington Avenue, North Shields, NE30 3SH. In September 2025, opening hours were 7.40am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and the nursery provided government-funded childcare. These are dated operating details, rather than a current booking timetable.

• Communication that reaches you. September 2025 findings highlighted parents who did not access the electronic application. Ask how important care and learning messages are followed up through your preferred method.
• Learning between activities. Counting during transitions was still being developed in September 2025. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how this work has become part of everyday routines.
• Your attendance requirements. The September 2025 opening window covered weekdays. Ask which booking pattern, funded-hours arrangement and care charges would apply to your child.

Rise and Shine merits consideration for families drawn to coastal outings, conversation-led activities and care that follows babies' home sleep routines. Its September 2025 strengths were concrete, while communication and learning during transitions remained improvement priorities. Families seeking weekday care can use those findings to shape a focused visit discussion.