Clavering Primary School Nursery

A nursery week can mean five short sessions or a block of two full days and a half-day at Clavering. That choice gives families different ways to organise the same 15 hours of provision. This is Clavering Primary School’s nursery for children aged three to four, with a maximum capacity of 39 full-time equivalent places, including up to 13 places offering 30 hours.

Children can usually start once they turn three, subject to space. The distinction between a short-session place and a longer week matters here: families express a preference, but their first choice of attendance pattern is not guaranteed.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Each gives children a three-hour session, with morning or afternoon attendance across Monday to Friday forming one option for the week.

Flexible attendance groups the week differently. Children attend for full days on Monday and Tuesday, followed by Wednesday morning, or begin on Wednesday afternoon and continue with full days on Thursday and Friday. For families arranging care around particular days, these blocks create a different practical fit from daily half-days.

There are also limited 30-hour places. Moving to that longer pattern involves consideration of the individual child’s needs with parents, including whether the additional time is appropriate for them. It is a decision about the child as well as the timetable.

Before the start date, the Nursery Teacher arranges a visit, ideally within the session the child will join. Children have an opportunity to meet their peers; parents can understand the session, and staff can observe how the child responds. This gives the first nursery experience a practical purpose beyond completing an application.

Staffing works to one adult for every 13 children. Across the school, support for special educational needs and disabilities follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review: parents contribute to assessment and planning, and support is revisited as needs change. Families can request additional meetings with the SENDCo or class teacher. This gives concerns a route into a discussion about specific adjustments and support.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives priority for one. Families must make a separate application through their local authority’s normal admissions process. Clavering participates in Hartlepool’s coordinated scheme; applications use the local authority’s form or online portal.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. Families planning a later start should use the normal deadline for their child’s entry year.

Transition support is a separate matter. School arrangements include July sessions to meet the next teacher and classroom. Where additional SEND support is needed, this can include extra time with the new teacher or photographs of unfamiliar surroundings and staff. Familiarity helps prepare a child for change; it does not alter admission priority.

All nursery children receive at least 15 hours each week. Applications go directly to the school using its nursery application form. The school office handles enquiries on 01429 743000 or admin@claveringschool.org.uk, and families can also contact the Early Years Lead.

A place offer includes a start date, which is reconfirmed after acceptance and the nursery visit. Parents have one week to respond to an offer, so keeping contact details current and checking correspondence matters when arranging a start.