Lynnfield Primary School Nursery Review

Sand, water, paint and musical instruments give Leo’s, Lynnfield’s provision for two-year-olds, a practical, exploratory character. Alongside it, the school’s nursery runs morning and afternoon sessions, with children dropped off and collected at the nursery door. This is nursery provision within Lynnfield Primary School on Grosvenor Street, Hartlepool.

For Leo’s children, learning includes investigating textures with their feet and fingers, looking at themselves in mirrors and talking about family. Wet and dry sand, dough and paint give them different materials to investigate. These activities connect new words with things children can touch and describe.

Seasonal experiences bring the outside world into learning. Children explore natural materials while developing autumn vocabulary; rain activities include umbrellas, puddles and pouring water. Indoor and outdoor exploration both feature in Leo’s learning, giving children opportunities to investigate their surroundings rather than only hear about them.

Music and pretend play sit alongside this sensory work. Instruments accompany songs and nursery rhymes, while children begin using one object to stand for another in play. Painting involves brushes, tools and hands. The emphasis here is on experimenting with materials and expressing ideas through movement, sound and making.

Across Leo’s and nursery, adults support children to listen during carpet time and move safely indoors. Outdoor routines include sharing equipment and taking turns. Children practise these social habits with adult help, rather than being expected to manage them independently from the outset.

Every nursery pupil completes a language screen to help identify communication needs early. The SENDCo works with teachers to decide whether Early Years SEND Assessment materials are appropriate. This gives staff a way to consider development beyond a single expectation for the whole group.

Parents of children on the SEND register are invited to termly discussions about their support. Their views contribute to decisions, and support follows an Assess, Plan, Do and Review cycle: staff consider needs, agree help, put it into practice and review its effect. For families, that creates opportunities to discuss both progress and changes needed.

In 2023-2024, early years arrangements included a baseline consultation during a child’s first six weeks, covering Leo’s and nursery. Parents could contribute observations and help plan the next steps. Everyday care also includes adult support with handwashing after using the toilet and before snack.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their intake. The proposed arrangements for 2027-28 specify an application through the family’s home local authority, with the offer coming from that authority. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. These times apply to both Leo’s and nursery. Collection is at the nursery door at the end of each session, giving families clear points around which to organise the rest of their day.

Visits to the school can be arranged through the school office. The office opens at 8:30am and closes at 4:30pm Monday to Thursday, or 4:00pm on Friday.