Caedmon Community Primary School Nursery Review

Mark-making outdoors, stories shared with adults and circle-time conversations about friendship give Caedmon’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision on Whitehall Road in Gateshead, within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Learning starts with practical experiences: making marks, exploring mathematical ideas and talking about everyday life.

The early years curriculum builds knowledge in stages. In November 2023, Ofsted identified this step-by-step planning across the areas of learning, alongside a weakness in how some content connected with later school learning. That balance matters: there is a planned foundation here, with a specific curriculum issue families should weigh.

Early Years learning covers three prime areas and four specific areas. For parents, the practical picture includes early writing, mathematical exploration and conversations about relationships and personal care, rather than a day defined solely by formal lessons.

Writing begins with movement and materials. Nursery children practise the motor skills needed for writing and experiment with making marks inside and beyond the classroom. Writing examples, resources and prompts extend into the outdoor learning environment, giving children opportunities to connect their marks with the writing they see around them. Letter formation is introduced as children progress through EYFS.

Mathematical learning starts through investigation of the surrounding world. Circle time brings another kind of practice: children talk about friendships, toothbrushing, food choices and ways to resolve difficult situations. These are concrete subjects for learning to express ideas and consider other people.

Reading also connects home and nursery. The EYFS book routine includes adult-shared choices alongside books matched to children’s phonics knowledge, with exchanges on Fridays. Families keep the books for a week, allowing familiar stories and reading practice to be revisited.

Curriculum continuity. In November 2023, some early years content did not connect consistently with the wider curriculum. Seasonal-change science vocabulary was one example. This meant some children were less prepared for subsequent learning, making curriculum connections a material consideration alongside the practical activities.

Settling starts with a meeting for parents and the EYFS team. Arrangements are tailored to the child, so the starting process can respond to individual needs. Parents with concerns about development can contact the class teacher or SEND coordinator directly rather than wait for a parents’ evening.

Accessibility includes a nursery washroom with an accessible toilet. Children needing help with toileting can use supportive seating and balance rails. Families are asked to discuss identified additional needs before their child starts, allowing support to be planned and advice from other agencies sought where appropriate.

For children staying for lunch, the school’s meal arrangements allow a packed lunch or an on-site cooked meal. Vegetarian and halal options are offered daily. Packed lunches are eaten in the dining room, and glass bottles should stay at home.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admissions process, using Gateshead Council School Admissions and the deadline for their child’s entry year.

Classroom familiarity is a separate benefit. Near the end of the academic year, nursery children spend time in the Reception classroom and gain access to the wider school for lunch, ICT and PE. Children with identified SEND can begin transitions earlier, using introductions to staff, social stories and parent meetings where appropriate.

Nursery opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.30pm. Nursery applications go directly to the school office using the nursery application form. General enquiries can be made on 0191 433 4095 or through the contact form; personal school tours can also be arranged through the office.

Wraparound care. The school breakfast club accepts children from Reception through Year 6, so its eligibility excludes nursery children. This matters when planning care before the nursery opens.