Parkhead Community Primary School Nursery Review

Storytelling, movement and play give Parkhead’s Seedlings nursery its character. Tales Toolkit invites children to invent stories, while Dough Disco and Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle bring movement into learning. This is a school nursery with a practical emphasis: children learn through their own play and activities guided by adults.

From age 3, children can join a nursery class with 39 full-time-equivalent places within Parkhead Community Primary School’s early years provision in Winlaton. Both 15-hour and 30-hour provision are offered. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 10 and 11 May 2023; that judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than being a separate nursery rating.

Play shapes the curriculum. Parkhead follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and describes an approach combining activities chosen by children with experiences guided by adults. For parents, that means learning through exploration and conversation, with adults planning around children’s interests and needs.

Tales Toolkit gives storytelling a recognisable structure while allowing children to supply their own ideas. Seedlings’ activities have included a weekly session followed by opportunities to use the storytelling resources independently. Books such as Dear Zoo and Where is Spot have accompanied nursery rhymes and listening games focused on sounds in the environment. These give children material to talk about and retell.

Physical learning has included daily Dough Disco and Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle sessions, alongside NUFC coaching. Daily number practice in early years uses Rekenreks, small counting frames resembling an abacus. Early writing begins with making marks, with short adult-led tasks introduced when children are developmentally ready.

The classroom has an early years lending library, allowing children to exchange books each week for sharing at home. Outdoors is part of the timetable too: nursery children have planned opportunities to use the outdoor environment across the day. Seedlings have explored seasonal changes and caterpillars, and a NUSTEM activity involved melting large snowballs and drawing with coloured ice. Practical experiences supply plenty to investigate and discuss.

Curriculum continuity. In May 2023, early years learning was insufficiently connected to later subjects, including geography and history. Leaders needed to strengthen the foundations children would need in Year 1. Families should weigh that specific concern alongside the early years judgement.

A nursery class teacher works with two supporting adults in Seedlings. Parkhead aims to make the move from home into school a planned process, with learning adapted to individual interests and needs. Family involvement has included a nursery sing-along and craft activities indoors and outside, giving parents opportunities to participate in their child’s nursery life.

Communication uses Arbor for electronic messages, alongside a Friday newsletter. Parents can contact the class teacher by email, telephone or in person. For additional needs, the school uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle and Gateshead’s SEND Thresholds. In May 2023, staff training to meet children’s needs included the early years team, and early years leaders modelled effective communication.

Gateshead Catering prepares school lunches on site, using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. There are three main-course choices daily, dietary requirements are catered for, and parents select lunches through Parentpay. Nursery children have an hour for lunch. Klubz breakfast options include yoghurt, fruit and toast; children attending its later after-school session receive a light tea.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Gateshead Local Authority. For entry in September 2027, the council’s online application window runs from September 2026 to January 2027. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

Preparation for the next stage has included Read, Write, Inc picture-card activities for nursery children approaching Reception and book packs from Gateshead Library services. These are learning experiences, not an admissions advantage.

The 15-hour pattern has morning sessions from 8:45am to 11:45am or afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The nursery also offers 30-hour places and a flexible provision model. Applications go directly to the school through an online form.

Klubz accepts nursery children for breakfast and after-school care, including occasional bookings. Breakfast club opens at 7:45am, and after-school care finishes at 5:30pm. Book through Lunchshop and contact the school for current charges. This extends the childcare options around nursery sessions.

Uniform is expected for all children, with Logos Unlimited supplying it. To arrange a visit, telephone 0191 433 5618 or email enquiries@parkheadprimary.org.