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Nursery at Berwick St Mary's Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Singing and stirring silly soup gives early sound learning a playful shape at St Mary's. Nursery children were using the sounds of their initials in this activity in July 2023, linking something familiar, their own name, with the beginnings of phonics.
Berwick St Mary's Church of England Primary School has nursery provision in Newfields, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Nursery starts from age three; Seedlings @ St Mary's takes children from age two. These are distinct starting points within the school's early years provision. Families can choose a morning nursery pattern or a full school day.
Both nursery patterns begin at 8:45am. Morning children finish at noon, while those attending full time stay until 3:15pm. The full-time timetable includes lunch between noon and 12:50pm, giving the longer day a clear break between its morning and afternoon.
Early learning includes attention to sounds and to the words children use to explain their thinking. In July 2023, nursery children began sound work from the outset, with singing and the silly soup activity making participation part of the learning. The early years teaching also encouraged mathematical vocabulary and asked children to explain the skills they were using. That connects doing an activity with talking about it, rather than leaving the learning entirely unspoken.
A key worker is allocated during the joining process. Their transition role covers routines and friendships, giving children a particular adult to turn to as they become familiar with the class. A school visit follows the application, so preparation starts before the first session.
For children with additional needs, the school's arrangements include a meeting with the special educational needs and disability co-ordinator (SENDCO) before starting. Introductory visits or part-time arrangements may be used where appropriate for children with complex needs. This allows the start to be planned around the child.
Parents can raise learning or social concerns with the class teacher, then meet the SENDCO if concerns continue. External referrals require parental support. Families of children on the SEND register have three formal reviews each year to discuss progress, support and next steps.
Medical care also needs preparation. Serious or chronic conditions require a medical plan, and medicine given during the day requires a completed office form. The medical room has a fridge for medicines needing refrigeration.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate: families must apply again through the normal Reception process by its normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as two separate decisions.
The key worker's help with friendships and routines concerns settling into a class. It should not be read as an admissions advantage.
Full-time nursery runs Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 3:15pm. Part-time attendance is mornings only, Monday to Friday, 8:45am to noon. The morning option therefore has a fixed midday finish for families planning collection.
Nursery children can start during the year once they are three, rather than waiting for a fixed intake date. Contact the school office to begin the application and arrange the joining process: telephone 01289 306170 or email admin@st-maryscofe.northumberland.sch.uk.
Nursery starts from age three. Seedlings @ St Mary's accepts children from age two.
Full-time nursery runs Monday to Friday from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Morning-only places run on the same days from 8:45am to noon.
A school visit follows the application, and a key worker helps children with friendships and class routines during transition.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal process by the normal deadline.
Parents can meet the SENDCO before their child starts. Introductory visits or part-time arrangements may be appropriate for children with complex needs.
