Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School Nursery

Conversation, counting and familiar routines give Holy Trinity’s early years provision its character. This is a nursery within a Church of England primary school in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, with 52 nursery places. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, subject to a place being available.

Both 15-hour and 30-hour places are offered, giving families different patterns of attendance. The school moved into a new building in 2015. In November 2023, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding: that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language gets sustained attention here. In November 2023, adults used their conversations with children to extend vocabulary, making everyday interaction part of learning. For a young child, that means the exchanges around an activity matter alongside the activity itself.

Counting and recognising patterns also form part of everyday early years activities. These are concrete examples of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in action here: developing communication and early number understanding through what children do. The emphasis is on building those foundations throughout the session.

Clear routines provide the structure. In November 2023, children in early years maintained concentration during carefully planned activities and responded positively to established routines. That combination gives the day a predictable shape while allowing children to stay absorbed in their learning. A nursery superhero day and spring planting in 2023 provide examples of themed activity and practical growing experiences.

Class Dojo connects parents with their child’s nursery class through an individual class code. The school also holds parent consultations in November, February and July, providing scheduled opportunities to discuss settling and progress. Parents can arrange a conversation with the class teacher through the office when concerns arise.

Lunch is an option, with lunchtime care specifically provided for nursery children. School meals include vegetarian, fish or meat choices, alongside salad, fruit and yoghurt. Under-fives can receive free milk through registration with Cool Milk. Children may also keep a water bottle in their classroom and have it refilled. They can drink from it during class time.

Support for additional needs begins with a discussion involving the family and child. Across the school, an Individual Education Plan may set out support and learning targets, reviewed each term. Instructions can be broken into smaller steps, and small-group help can be arranged according to need. This gives families a defined way to discuss adjustments rather than leaving support to informal conversations alone.

A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Holy Trinity’s Reception class. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a distinct decision from booking nursery attendance.

For children who may find a change of classroom difficult, the school can discuss additional transition support with parents. This may include visiting the next classroom and meeting staff beforehand. Those arrangements help with familiarity; they are separate from the allocation of a Reception place.

Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoon nursery runs from 12.10pm to 3.10pm. The 30-hour pattern runs from 8.25am to 3.10pm Monday to Thursday, then 8.25am to 11.25am on Friday. That shorter Friday matters when planning childcare around work.

An optional paid Friday extension covers 11.25am to 3.10pm outside the funded hours. Payment is weekly in advance through ParentPay, is non-refundable and remains due during absence. Changes to that additional block take effect at the beginning of a half term and require written notice before the preceding half term ends. Ask the school for current charges.

Enquiries can be sent to admin@hpoolholytrinity.org.uk. New parents can arrange a school tour for themselves and their child through the office. Uniform may be bought without a logo from any retailer, giving families flexibility over where they shop.