West Park Academy Nursery

Play, listening and early number work shape nursery life at West Park Academy. Within the school's Foundation Unit, the provision combines children's own exploration with activities led by adults. Entry is from the term after a child's third birthday, subject to places being available. For families choosing a first school setting, that means a nursery curriculum within the school, with its own attendance patterns and application process.

Children's interests help shape the learning. Staff observe their development and needs, then plan across the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In practical terms, this combines time for children to investigate through play with adult guidance and planned experiences. Vocabulary also receives attention: adults model language as part of learning, giving children words to express ideas and describe their discoveries.

Foundations for phonics introduces the listening skills that come before reading. Activities include attention to sounds and oral blending, helping children hear how spoken sounds combine into words. A Care and Share book goes home each week for reading with a grown-up. This gives families a regular way to join in with books beyond the nursery session.

Counting and recognising numbers happen through play. Numerals form part of the learning environment, while mathematical experiences extend both outdoors and inside. Staff observe children's play and use modelling or intervention to develop mathematical language. The emphasis is on using numbers in practical situations, so early maths connects with things children can do and explore.

Before children join, families are welcomed for a school visit during the preceding term. Meeting the nursery team and becoming familiar with the Foundation Unit gives children and parents an introduction before their start.

Language screening applies to nursery children across the trust, with the aim of identifying communication needs early. The trust's support process follows Assess, Plan, Do and Review: staff consider needs, agree support with parents, put it into practice and review progress. Parents of children on the SEND register are invited to termly discussions about their provision. This creates scheduled opportunities to contribute information and consider changes together.

For potty-training difficulties, families are directed to health visitor support. ERIC's Guide to Potty Training and ERICs Guide for Children with Additional Needs provide further guidance. The school's SEND coordinator can also be contacted through the office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route; Darlington Borough Council handles Reception admissions for West Park Academy. Treat that application as a separate step from joining nursery. Familiarity with the school does not replace the admissions process.

Three attendance patterns are offered: five morning sessions, running from 8:45am to 11:45am; five afternoons, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm; or Monday to Thursday from 8:45am to 3:30pm, followed by Friday from 8:45am to 11:45am. The morning and afternoon patterns are each described as 15 hours in total, and the longer pattern as 30 hours. Friday's earlier finish matters when arranging collection.

Nursery applications go directly to the academy using its application form. For enquiries, contact the office on 01325 380792 or email admin@westpark.lingfieldtrust.org.uk. Tell the school if collection will be delayed or someone else will collect your child, so staff know about the change.