Birtley East Community Primary School Nursery

An indoor Maths Number Area and Block Play illustrate Birtley East’s nursery’s practical, exploratory character in its June 2024 account. Children could choose mathematical resources for themselves, making independent play part of how they encountered early number ideas.

This is the school’s own nursery at the north end of Birtley. Children join from the term following their third birthday, and the provision can accommodate up to 39 children per session. A purpose-built Foundation Stage houses the early years provision, with outdoor space designed for nursery and Reception children. The stated staffing ratio is one adult to 13 nursery children.

Welcome Time has been used to introduce number activities. In June 2024, nursery learning included mathematical books, games and tasks, with attention given to the indoor Maths Number Area and Block Play. Children selected resources independently during play they directed themselves. That gives early mathematics a place in both organised activities and children’s own choices.

The early years foundation stage combines learning with children’s developing communication and social confidence. In October 2024, Ofsted identified early years as a strong starting point for subsequent learning, with staff checking children’s understanding through questions. Communication and language received particular attention, helping children develop the skills they need for learning beyond nursery.

Outdoor learning has its own designed space within the Foundation Stage provision. Indoors, the number area and block activities provided concrete ways to explore mathematical ideas in the June 2024 example. That account gives parents a picture of learning through resources children could choose and use, alongside adult guidance.

A key worker completes an initial assessment when a child enters nursery; this adult may also be the class teacher. The Foundation Stage leader, SENCO and headteacher oversee these assessments. This creates a starting picture of the child’s learning and needs.

If an additional need emerges, staff discuss it with parents first. Support can involve an educational psychologist, health professionals or specialist teaching staff, and parents participate in review meetings. Transition help is tailored to the child, including support with changing activities or getting to know a different adult. Families therefore have a role in deciding how support develops.

Children attending throughout the day bring their own packed lunch. They eat between 11:45am and 12:30pm, so families need to include lunch preparation in their daily routine.

Reception requires a separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The school handles nursery applications itself, while families apply to Gateshead Local Authority for Reception through the normal admissions process and by the applicable deadline.

For children with additional needs, transition support is arranged individually. Help with becoming familiar with staff or moving between activities addresses the child’s needs; it is separate from the allocation of a school place.

The 15-hour pattern means five morning sessions or five afternoon sessions each week. Mornings run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Eligible families can choose the 30-hour pattern using a qualifying code, with full days from Monday to Thursday and attendance on Friday.

Additional three-hour sessions can sometimes be accommodated. Children buying extra sessions that cross lunchtime also incur a supervision charge. Chargeable bookings require payment through ParentPay for the whole term ahead and cannot be refunded. Refer to the school for current charges.

Apply for nursery by completing and returning the application form linked from the admissions page. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school on 0191 4102551 or at birtleyeastcommunityprimaryschool@gateshead.gov.uk.