Stranton Primary School Nursery Review

An early start, with support organised around individual needs, gives Stranton’s nursery provision its character. Provision includes two-year-olds and forms part of Stranton Primary School on Southburn Terrace in Hartlepool. Little Stars and Nursery have separate teaching staff allocations, while an assistant headteacher holds the Early Years Lead role. That puts the youngest children within a wider school team.

At the Ofsted inspection on 30 and 31 January 2024, early years provision was graded Outstanding. This was an early years judgement within the school’s inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Learning in the early years builds from children’s starting points. In January 2024, children were making substantial progress from the outset, supported by an effective early years curriculum and resources selected to help them learn. The practical significance is the connection between teaching and the materials children use: resources support the learning being developed.

Observation also has a specific role. Early years staff use continuing observations and information about children’s development to recognise additional needs. Information from health professionals, including speech and language services, can contribute before children start Little Stars. This gives staff a way to connect what happens during learning with support a child may need.

Settling begins with contact between families and staff. Children and parents take part in induction meetings before entering early years, and entry into early years is phased. These arrangements allow the start to unfold in stages rather than treating joining as a single event.

Across the school, the Stranton SEND Inclusion Team supports children and families. Parents can raise concerns with their child’s teacher or approach the SENDCo directly. Support follows Assess, Plan, Do and Review: staff consider the child’s needs, organise support, put it into practice and reconsider the next steps.

Individual Pupil Passports bring together strategies, assessments and interventions for children with SEND. Parents join termly reviews, giving families a recurring opportunity to discuss progress and help shape support. Where a child has medical needs, a care plan records the condition and the support required.

Physical space supports emotional care too. Each classroom has access to a Calm Corner, with sensory toys and calming activities. This provides a defined place and practical resources for helping children regulate their feelings. The school’s approach also includes training staff in de-escalation and helping children repair relationships after difficulties.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority in the normal admissions round, meeting the normal deadline.

For entry in 2027/28, nursery attendance gives no additional priority. Allocation instead follows criteria covering care status, qualifying siblings, the admission zone, exceptional circumstances and distance. Familiarity with the school therefore needs to be kept separate from the application decision.

The school office is the contact point for enquiries: telephone 01429 275 595 or email strantonadmin@edenacademytrust.co.uk. The address is Southburn Terrace, Hartlepool, TS25 1SQ.

For a conversation about additional needs, a meeting with the Inclusion Team can be arranged through school reception. Parents can also contact the team by email, providing a direct route to discuss concerns alongside contact with their child’s teacher.