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Nursery at Northgate 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Twice-weekly PE in the school hall and access to the school library give Sunflowers a day that reaches beyond its classroom. This is Northgate Primary School’s own nursery in Great Yarmouth, with provision for children aged 3 and up. Children also take part in events across the school, bringing them into its wider community from the nursery years.
Play and exploration shape the approach. A key worker oversees each child’s development and learning, giving families a particular adult with responsibility for following their progress. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its December 2024 inspection; that judgement covers early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines play and focused activities. In December 2024, children experienced the full breadth of early learning through that combination. For parents, this means learning happens through exploration as well as planned activities.
Within the classroom, children can choose and use resources independently. Outdoor learning is accessible daily, so exploration extends beyond the indoor space. The school hall provides another setting: a qualified sports coach leads nursery PE twice a week. Weekly music uses Charanga, while the library gives children access to the school’s book resources.
Early literacy begins with games about the sounds within words. Preparation for handwriting starts with gross motor work in nursery, focusing first on larger movements. Science introduces early investigation through The Natural World, and learning about faiths uses stories and role-play. Together, these give play a clear learning purpose, from listening carefully to investigating and expressing ideas.
Settling starts before regular attendance. Home visits help staff learn about children entering nursery, alongside contact with their previous setting. Children may make several brief visits before joining full time and may receive a booklet showing their classroom’s key adults. Conversations at the day’s end keep parents involved as children settle.
Communication continues through Tapestry. The nursery aims to add at least one observation per child each week, alongside a weekly learning update with videos and suggestions for home. Half-term overviews explain the learning ahead; parents’ evenings take place each term. Staff can also discuss questions before and after sessions.
Children can have a school lunch, with lunch care and the meal carrying separate charges where applicable. Families should contact the school for current charges. Bring wipes and nappies when needed, plus spare clothes, so everyday care needs can be accommodated.
For SEND concerns, parents can approach the class teacher or SENDCo. School buildings are wheelchair accessible, and children can use a sensory area when needed. Language support. In December 2024, support across the school for complex communication and language needs needed improvement. Families whose children need this help should discuss the intended support and how progress will be reviewed.
A nursery place does not guarantee entry to Northgate’s Reception. Parents must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026; nursery attendance was not an oversubscription criterion for that cycle.
Transition support is a separate matter. In December 2024, preparation for Reception helped staff understand children’s needs before they started, including those with SEND. Familiarity and preparation can support the change of classroom, but do not replace the admissions process.
The booking patterns are five mornings, 8:30–11:30, or five afternoons, 12:15–15:15, each offering 15 hours weekly. The 30-hour pattern consists of five all-day sessions, 8:30–15:15. Lunch runs from 11:30 to 12:15. Once eligible funding has been used fully, an additional 45 minutes of lunch care can be purchased. Requests for another childcare pattern must accompany the application in writing and depend on availability.
Morning-only and afternoon-only nursery sessions carry no session charge. Eligibility for 30-hour funding is conditional; families need a valid code and must reconfirm eligibility every three months.
Application forms can be collected from Sunflowers or the school office. Completed forms and supporting documents can be emailed to sunflowers@northgateprimary.norfolk.sch.uk. Uniform is optional. Choose clothes children can manage for toileting and messy play, and send named wellies, a coat and a water bottle.
The nursery caters for children aged 3 and up. September is the main intake, with January and April entry possible when spaces allow.
Families can apply for five mornings from 8:30 to 11:30, five afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15, or five all-day sessions from 8:30 to 15:15. Different patterns can be requested in writing and are subject to availability.
Tapestry carries weekly learning updates, and the nursery aims to upload at least one observation per child each week. There are also half-term learning overviews, termly parents’ evenings and opportunities to speak with staff around sessions.
No. A separate Reception application is required through your home local authority. Nursery attendance was not an oversubscription criterion for September 2026 entry.
Send a named water bottle, coat and wellies, plus spare clothes. Include nappies and wipes if needed. Nursery uniform is optional, and clothing should allow children to manage toileting themselves.
