Bede Academy Nursery Review

Independence starts with the equipment children can choose for themselves at Bede Academy’s nursery. In April and May 2024, Ofsted judged the academy’s early years provision Good, identifying an environment designed to help children take an active part in their learning. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Nursery provision sits at Bede South, alongside the primary years, with children attending from age three. The primary site is on Curlew Way in Blyth. Bede Academy describes its Christian ethos as serving the whole community.

Choosing resources independently is a concrete part of the early years experience. In April and May 2024, equipment was selected to let children reach and use it themselves, giving them opportunities to develop their learning through their own choices. The practical emphasis is on participation: children can begin an activity rather than wait for an adult to provide every resource.

At the inspection on 30 April and 1 May 2024, learning also extended outside the classroom. Moving between indoors and outdoors was treated as something children learned to do safely, with routines planned around looking after themselves and other people in a busy space. These everyday movements had a purpose beyond changing location. They gave children practice in managing shared surroundings and taking account of others.

A nursery teacher forms part of the early years teaching team, with an early years leadership role above it. Higher level teaching assistants and learning support assistants also work within the early years team. This places nursery teaching within a wider structure of classroom support and leadership.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), Bede Academy calls its specialist provision Individualised Learning. A primary SEND coordinator provides a contact within the school’s support structure. Families can discuss their child’s needs with the SEND team by calling 01670 545111 or emailing admin@esf-schools.org.uk.

Physical access deserves attention too. The primary building has two storeys, and accessibility adaptations include a lift, toilets adapted for disabled users, and shower and changing facilities. Outdoors, dropped kerbs and textured paving are among the adjustments. These are practical features for families considering mobility or personal care needs.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a place in Bede Academy’s Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.

Applications go to Northumberland County Council using its Common Application Form, with electronic and paper routes. Keep this application separate from choosing nursery provision. Where a waiting list is used, it is reordered against the academy’s oversubscription criteria whenever another child is added; joining the list is not a fixed position in a queue.

Contact the primary team on 01670 545111, selecting option 1. General enquiries can also go to enquiries@bedeacademy.org.uk, with Primary in the subject line. Use the Curlew Way, Blyth, NE24 3PX address for the primary site when planning the journey.