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Nursery at Fell Dyke Community Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ladybird biscuits, caterpillars and pirate songs give Fell Dyke’s nursery learning a concrete shape. Stories become things children make, count and investigate, with play linking language, movement and early maths. This is the nursery within Fell Dyke Community Primary School on Springwell Road in Gateshead, forming part of its Early Years Foundation Stage provision.
At the December 2022 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good. Speaking and listening received attention from the start of nursery, while books, poems and songs gave children different ways to enjoy language. That makes communication a clear thread through the provision.
Children combine play they choose themselves with adult-supported activities and focused group learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, relationships and communication with early literacy, maths, creativity and exploration of the world. Birth to Five guidance helps staff plan experiences around those areas and children’s interests.
A dedicated classroom maths area gives number work a physical home. Daily nursery maths group time includes counting songs, while toy trains and ingredients for play dough bring counting and measuring into play. Children who are ready also work with a teacher individually or in small groups. Nursery learning includes daily Read Write Inc. sessions, alongside story-based activities and group time.
Indoor and outdoor spaces are both used for play, and children can choose between them. The outside learning environment is accessible across the day. Creative materials include paint, chalk and crayons; cameras, Bee-Bots and remote-controlled cars introduce children to operating equipment.
Activities in spring and summer 2026 show how this works in practice. Minibeast learning included hunts and watching caterpillars grow. After reading The Very Lazy Ladybird, children spread icing on biscuits and counted chocolate spots, combining hand control with number work. A June Tiny Tweeties session used seaside and pirate songs for vocabulary, rhythm and imaginative play. These were specific experiences, rather than a promise of a fixed weekly programme.
Teaching assistants from the early years team help in nursery with learning and play. Parents can join Stay and Play activities, giving them a chance to share classroom experiences and see how adults explain ideas. An Easter Stay and Play event took place in March 2026.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school’s support arrangements include personalised learning where appropriate. Speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and the school nurse can be involved when specialist input is needed. This gives families a route to support beyond the classroom team.
Some children attending for 30 hours stay for a packed lunch. Separately, school meals are cooked on site. Families using those meals pay in advance; current charges should be obtained from the school.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Fell Dyke follows Gateshead Local Authority’s allocation policy, so the Reception decision needs to be treated separately from choosing nursery.
Transition activities address familiarity rather than admission. In June 2026, nursery children visited a Reception classroom and explored its resources and activity areas. That gave them a practical introduction to the next classroom.
Session pattern. Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; the afternoon session runs from 12:45pm to 3:30pm. Prompt attendance matters: admission after 9:00am is not guaranteed. Full-time options are discussed through the school office.
Families can apply for 15-hour or 30-hour funded entitlement. Those using 15 hours are allocated a morning or afternoon session; those seeking 30 hours must show proof of entitlement. The office handles nursery applications and accepts names from a child’s second birthday.
Tours can be arranged by calling 0191 433 4111 or emailing felldykecommunityprimaryschool@gateshead.gov.uk. Gateshead Council sets the school’s term dates, giving families the calendar to use when planning attendance.
The morning session is 8:45am to 11:45am, and the afternoon session is 12:45pm to 3:30pm. The school office discusses full-time options.
Families can apply for 15-hour or 30-hour entitlement. A morning or afternoon session is allocated for 15 hours, and proof of entitlement is required for 30 hours.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Fell Dyke follows Gateshead Local Authority’s allocation policy.
Activities combine chosen play, adult-guided learning, stories, daily Read Write Inc. sessions and maths. Children use indoor and outdoor spaces, with examples including counting, creative materials and minibeast investigations.
Yes. Contact the school office on 0191 433 4111 or at felldykecommunityprimaryschool@gateshead.gov.uk to arrange a tour.
