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Nursery at Eskdale Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Little Acorns gives two-year-olds their own starting point at Eskdale Academy, alongside a nursery unit for three-year-olds. Both offer morning and afternoon sessions within the school on Eskdale Road, Hartlepool. This is provision built around younger children’s first steps into school life, with language, play and relationships shaping the experience.
The early years provision met Ofsted’s Expected standard in June 2026. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children were confident and happy, forming trusting connections with adults and with one another. For parents, those relationships matter as much as the learning activities: they give young children familiar people to turn to.
Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and emotional development with early number work, literacy, creativity and exploration of the world. Children investigate independently and with adult help, exchanging ideas and working through problems. That makes conversation part of learning rather than an activity reserved for a particular lesson.
The Curiosity Approach helps shape the early years environment, with the school aiming to encourage interaction and language. Children have opportunities to explore alongside others or pursue ideas on their own. The curriculum connects learning across the provision so that new experiences build on skills children have already developed.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the nursery’s Foundations for Phonics. Stories and poems sit alongside action rhymes, nursery rhymes and listening activities. Children practise hearing sounds and blending them aloud, with experiences led sometimes by adults and sometimes by children. The emphasis is on preparing the foundations for reading through talk, attention and listening.
In June 2026, early years classrooms provided welcoming learning spaces and established routines supported children’s physical strength and control of smaller muscles. Role-play helped them practise listening to other people and waiting for a turn. These are useful everyday skills as well as learning goals.
Starting early years includes induction meetings with children and parents, followed by a phased introduction. Families are encouraged to join preparatory activities, giving them opportunities to meet staff and other families. In June 2026, clear routines and adults taking time to understand children helped them settle promptly.
Staffing includes an EYFS teacher, early years support staff and support staff attached to Little Acorns. Across the school, the inclusion structure includes a SEND coordinator, a trust inclusion lead and a wellbeing lead. Parents can arrange a meeting through school reception, while Class Dojo provides a way to contact teachers and share concerns.
Early identification of additional needs was a strength within early years in June 2026. Staff recognised emerging difficulties, involved families and adjusted activities so children could participate and learn. For children on the school’s SEND register, Pupil Passports focus support on individual needs and are reviewed with parents each term. That gives families a regular opportunity to discuss progress and next steps.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application to their home local authority through the normal admissions process and meet its normal deadline. For 2027/28, attending the nursery does not confer Reception priority.
Learning continuity is a separate matter. The early years curriculum is planned to build from the two-year-old provision towards Reception, allowing children to develop skills progressively. That educational connection should be considered separately from the allocation of a school place.
Morning and afternoon sessions are offered in both nursery units. Parents can apply online for two-year-old funding through Hartlepool’s portal.
For nursery enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01429 272255 or email eskdaleadmin@edenacademytrust.co.uk. The nursery is at Eskdale Road, Hartlepool, TS25 4BT.
Eskdale Academy has provision for two-year-olds, called Little Acorns, and a nursery unit for three-year-olds.
Both units offer morning and afternoon sessions.
Learning follows the EYFS, with the Curiosity Approach helping shape the environment. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised supports the foundations for phonics through language, rhymes and listening activities.
There are induction meetings with children and parents, a phased introduction to early years and preparatory activities where families can meet staff.
No. Families must apply separately to their home local authority through the normal process. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or confer priority for 2027/28.
