Jesmond Gardens Primary School Nursery

Play, outdoor exploration and learning shared with parents shape the early years provision at Jesmond Gardens Primary School in Hartlepool. It includes provision for two-year-olds within the primary school. For families, the focus is on an early start to learning through activity, with children's interests helping to shape what happens next.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives the learning its structure. Communication, movement and personal development come first: children build their language, physical skills and ability to manage feelings and relationships. Literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world develop alongside these foundations. The emphasis is on building the skills that make further learning possible.

Playing and investigating are central to the approach. Children learn through activity and thinking creatively, with experiences taking place inside and outdoors. Activities are adapted around individual needs and interests, so the curriculum allows staff to respond to the children rather than follow an inflexible sequence of tasks.

Outdoor learning happens daily. The outdoor area supports learning across the curriculum and exploration of the natural world; the school sees these experiences as opportunities to build confidence, persistence and problem-solving. Outdoors is part of the learning environment, rather than simply a break between indoor activities.

In July 2024, Ofsted found that curriculum planning had a clear progression starting in the early years. That gives the play-based approach a purposeful structure: activities sit within a planned sequence of learning.

Starting nursery includes an induction programme for parents. The school recognises that beginning school can bring anxiety for children and their families, and aims to help them settle. Bringing parents into that introduction gives families a shared starting point with staff.

During the July 2024 inspection, early years children understood the everyday routines and had close bonds with the adults helping them meet expectations. Familiar routines and adult relationships were the concrete strengths of their experience.

Tapestry connects learning at nursery with home. Staff record children's progress through the app, while parents can see their child's learning journey and contribute observations from home. Communication therefore runs both ways: families can add their own picture of what a child is learning.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's assessment process uses individual Pupil Passports to bring together strategies, assessments and interventions. Reviews take place each term with parents, children and key staff, creating a regular opportunity to agree the next steps. Families can arrange a discussion with the inclusion team through the school reception.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet its deadline. Hartlepool's Local Authority Admission Department handles Reception admissions and can be contacted on 01429 266522.

The induction programme includes families starting Reception as well as nursery. That support with beginning school is separate from the decision about allocating a place.

To put a child's name down for nursery, telephone the school on 01429 274672. Families can also contact the office for general enquiries at jesmondgardensadmin@edenacademytrust.co.uk. The school welcomes requests for information and opportunities to look round, giving parents a direct route to discuss joining.