Nursery at Corbridge (VA) Church of England First School

Four longer days and a shorter Friday give Corbridge's nursery week a distinctive shape. This is the nursery within the Church of England first school on St Helen's Lane, Corbridge, where the school's age range begins at three. Nursery teaching includes an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) lead, connecting the youngest children's provision with responsibility for early learning.

The school describes outdoor exploration and learning initiated by children as important parts of its approach. For parents, that gives a useful sense of its educational priorities: children's interests matter alongside the knowledge adults want them to develop.

Indoor learning and outdoor play both feature in the early years. In April 2025, the early-years spaces were organised to draw children into activities, while supportive exchanges with adults helped them keep playing and learning. The practical benefit is sustained interest: adult involvement helps children continue with something that has caught their attention.

The early-years curriculum builds foundations for later learning. Within the EYFS, direct teaching and planned play opportunities develop children's skills, knowledge and understanding. The school aims to expand children's vocabulary and help them understand the world around them, giving their learning a concrete focus. In April 2025, the curriculum gave children interesting learning to engage with.

Forest School is part of the wider school's curriculum. The school links its emphasis on exploration and children's own choices to confidence and respect for nature. That wider approach provides context for the nursery's outdoor learning, while the early-years findings themselves cover both its inside and outside environments.

Children adjusted readily to early years in April 2025. Their relationships with adults supported engagement in play, an encouraging finding for families thinking about the emotional demands of starting nursery.

An executive special educational needs coordinator forms part of the school team. Families can contact the school about SEND through the office, giving them a direct route for discussing their child's needs. Eligible nursery children can also attract Early Years Pupil Premium; the office handles enquiries about applying for this additional funding.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Northumberland's local authority manages admissions to the school; families living outside Northumberland apply using their home authority's Common Application Form.

Keep that application separate from the nursery decision. Choosing a nursery day that suits your child does not settle where they will start Reception.

Nursery runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm on Monday to Thursday, with Friday ending at 12.45pm. Friday collection. The earlier finish changes the week's childcare pattern, so families need to plan for collection before the afternoon.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 01434 632534 or email admin@corbridgefirst.northumberland.sch.uk. The school welcomes visits before an application and holds two open mornings in the autumn term. These provide an opportunity to discuss choosing the setting with the school.