Haltwhistle Primary Academy Nursery

Outdoor play in all weather and a separate early years building give Haltwhistle’s nursery its character. Children aged 3-4 share the Early Years Unit with the school’s Reception children, with indoor activities and an outdoor space designed for early learning. This is the school’s own nursery, with a setting that can remain familiar as children grow.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 14 and 15 February 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Short activities led by a teacher or teaching assistant alternate with longer stretches of play indoors and outside. Children have time to choose, interact and explore, rather than spending the session moving from one adult-led task to another. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes this provision: learning areas support children’s development through play, alongside focused teaching.

Language and practical problem-solving are central to the early years approach. In February 2023, adults used questions and prompts to develop children’s conversation and listening. One activity deliberately left out equipment, requiring children to work out what was needed and fetch it themselves. Independence becomes something to practise, with a concrete problem to solve.

Balanceability brings balance, core stability and large movements into nursery learning, preparing children for riding without stabilisers. Read, Write Inc Handwriting starts in Nursery, while early years activities also develop the physical skills needed for writing. These give movement a purpose, from controlling the body to handling a pencil.

Outside is part of the day whatever the weather. In February 2023, outdoor activities formed a daily element of the early years curriculum. The dedicated outdoor environment extends the space available for play and interaction beyond the building.

A qualified teacher leads the nursery class, supported by teaching assistants and key workers. Welcome visits provide an opportunity to discuss toilet training with nursery staff. Families are asked to try potty training before starting wherever possible; children who are still learning can receive further advice and help from the team.

Support also reaches beyond classroom routines. The school’s staff have training in Emotion Coaching, an approach to helping children recognise and manage feelings. Families can seek help through their child’s teacher or support assistant, with the office arranging contact with an appropriate member of staff when needed. Partnerships with Haltwhistle Children’s Centre, the health visitor and the Health Centre provide further routes to support.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes: the school handles nursery applications, while Northumberland County Council manages Reception admission. Families must apply again through the council’s normal Reception application process.

Familiarity is the practical benefit of the shared Early Years Unit. Children moving into Reception here can keep the same surroundings, familiar adults and established routines. That continuity can support confidence, but it is separate from the allocation of a school place.

The nursery offers universal 15-hour funded places and 30-hour places for eligible children aged 3 and 4. Funded hours can be used flexibly within the nursery or divided with another provider, including Haltwhistle Little Star. This gives families a way to combine provision.

Extra sessions can be booked when spaces permit: mornings run from 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Contact the school office for bookings and current charges. Visits can also be arranged through the office on 01434 320467.

The school operates a uniform recycling service, with a termly exchange and requests accepted at any time. Families can use it to pass on outgrown clothing or obtain preloved items.