Ringway Primary School Nursery

Books, early mathematics and outdoor learning give Ringway’s nursery its character. This is the nursery provision within Ringway Primary School in Guide Post, where learning includes both activities led by adults and children’s own exploration.

In June 2024, the provision catered for two- and three-year-olds. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 18 and 19 June 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Indoor and outdoor environments both serve as learning spaces. Children can use the outside throughout the day, during independent activities and tasks guided by adults. Outdoor learning therefore belongs within the session itself, giving children opportunities to explore beyond the indoor environment.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning and personal development. Its three main strands concern relationships and emotions, communication, and physical skills. For parents, that means children practise taking turns, speaking and listening, coordinating their movements and becoming more independent. Retelling stories and inventing their own gives language a practical purpose.

Alongside these foundations come early literacy, mathematics, understanding the surrounding world and creative expression. Mathematics includes counting, quantities, measures and shapes. Creative work uses movement, sounds, colours, textures and pretend play, giving children different ways to express an idea. Exploring local people and places also forms part of understanding the world.

Playing and Exploring, Active Learning, and Creating and Thinking Critically are the three named characteristics guiding this approach. In everyday language, children investigate, concentrate, persist and decide how to tackle something. The emphasis includes trying an idea and making connections, rather than simply completing a task.

In June 2024, early mathematics activities were carefully organised, while nursery children developed readiness for later phonics learning. Adults encouraged their interest in books. These are useful foundations: familiarity with books and mathematical ideas begins before more formal learning.

Independence includes everyday care. The EYFS approach covers managing clothing and using the toilet, alongside learning about health and handling equipment. These practical skills help children take a more active role in looking after themselves.

In June 2024, early years staff helped younger children establish positive routines and habits. Children’s progress is assessed each term against expectations for their age, providing regular checkpoints in their development. Children entitled to 30 hours remain at school for lunch, connecting the two nursery sessions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child’s next year, rather than assuming that a nursery place carries forward automatically.

Nursery has morning and afternoon sessions, with the morning starting at 8.45am. The lunchtime stay applies to children entitled to 30 hours.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 01670 813463 or email admin@guidepostringway.northumberland.sch.uk. The school’s address is Ringway, Guidepost, Northumberland, NE62 5YP.