Norham St Ceolwulf's Nursery Review

Bikes, water play and a book corner give Norham's nursery a practical, playful character. Children can choose an activity and stay with it, alongside time guided by adults. This is nursery provision within Norham St Ceolwulf's C of E Primary School on West Street, Norham-on-Tweed, with entry from age three.

Early years provision was judged Good at the Ofsted inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Choice shapes the learning day. Painting, pretend play, games and cutting and sticking sit alongside reading in the book corner. Outside, the outdoor classroom has sand, water and vehicles including bikes. Children have both independent play and activities led by a teacher or nursery nurse, giving them opportunities to follow an interest and then work with adult guidance.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum connects learning through questions and topics. Autumn changes and helping Humpty Dumpty are examples: starting points that bring different activities together around something young children can explore. Adults observe children's interests, achievements and ways of learning, then use these observations to decide what to offer next. Parents' observations contribute too.

Language receives deliberate attention. In October 2024, adults gave children thinking time after questions, helping them form an answer rather than rushing a response; speaking and listening developed well. Early years children also made good progress in phonics. Read Write Inc is used daily across early years. At the October 2024 inspection, reading books matched the sounds children had learned. These are concrete foundations for joining conversation and beginning to read.

Settling starts with a visit arranged through the office. A designated key worker helps a child establish routines and friendships during the transition into their class, providing someone to turn to with questions. Parents can raise concerns with staff through the school's open-door approach.

For children with additional needs, a meeting with the special educational needs and disability coordinator (SENDCO) before starting helps plan support. Introductory visits or an initial part-time arrangement can be made for children with complex needs where appropriate. Concerns go first to the class teacher, with the SENDCO involved if they persist; referrals to outside professionals require parental support. Formal reviews for children on the SEND register take place three times a year.

Full-time nursery children have a lunch period from noon to 12:50pm. Medical needs are handled through individual plans for serious or chronic conditions, and medicines needing refrigeration can be kept in the medical room's fridge. Site access is controlled through doors, with CCTV around the grounds. In October 2024, governors needed to question school leaders more sharply, a relevant consideration for oversight of provision.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline; choosing nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

The school makes individual handover arrangements at the end of the academic year. This support for continuity is separate from allocating a Reception place.

Both nursery patterns run Monday to Friday. Full-time attendance is 8:45am to 3:15pm; part-time attendance is mornings only, from 8:45am to noon. The morning option therefore requires a midday collection.

For three- and four-year-olds, funded early education starts in the term following their third birthday. The entitlement is 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks, with an additional 15 hours for eligible families, bringing their total to 30. Contact the school office to begin nursery registration or arrange a visit, using admin@norham.northumberland.sch.uk.