Horton Grange Primary School Nursery Review

Language takes centre stage at Horton Grange: the early years curriculum connects learning with books and gives vocabulary deliberate attention. The nursery is on the school site on Cowpen Road in Blyth, with provision that includes places for two-year-olds. It offers a start within the primary school itself.

Ofsted judged early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Seven areas shape the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. For parents, this means learning includes talking and listening, movement, relationships and managing feelings, alongside early literacy, maths, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Learning is broader than preparation for reading and writing.

Books give the curriculum a connecting thread. In June 2023, early years learning was organised around selected texts, with children using precise vocabulary connected to their learning. The emphasis gives children words with which to explain ideas, rather than simply recognising them.

Speaking and listening form the nursery's early literacy foundations: children are encouraged to express their opinions and thoughts. Pencil grip receives attention too, using the named nip and flick technique. Across the school, classrooms have book areas containing fiction and factual books, giving children access to stories as well as information. These concrete features make communication and early writing the clearest characteristics of the nursery's learning approach.

Thrive shapes interactions and behaviour across the school. Targeted emotional support takes place in The Place, a staffed facility within the school. The school aims to help children understand their emotions and become ready for learning; this is a school support structure rather than a separate nursery programme.

Parents have a role in SEND support. The school uses a graduated approach, involving families and drawing on specialist advice where needed. A pupil passport brings support planning together with the class teacher and SEND coordinator. Families can also refer themselves to Northumberland's SEND information, advice and support service.

School meal ordering and menus use SchoolGrid, with office help for logins. For family support, six-week Family Thrive courses run each term, helping parents use the approach at home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Northumberland County Council's online admissions route, following the normal Reception deadline. Nursery applications are handled by the school; the Reception process is separate. Keep that distinction clear when planning your child's next step.

Applications for the two-year-old provision and nursery use separate application forms and are handled directly by the school. Visits before admission are welcomed. Contact the school office on 01670353503 to arrange a visit or seek admissions advice.

For SEND discussions, the parent liaison officer provides a route through the office to the SEND coordinator. This gives families a specific starting point for discussing support alongside their nursery application.