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Nursery at Toner Avenue Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two nursery rooms, shared stories and lunch in the small hall give Toner Avenue’s youngest children a distinct place within the primary school. The nursery in Hebburn takes children from age three. One room accommodates up to 22 children on a 30-hour pattern; the other has room for up to 26, combining children attending for 15 and 30 hours. Those are room capacities, rather than a promise of vacancies.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 26 and 27 April 2022. This judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Stories and conversation are central to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) here. In April 2022, shared books helped children develop an appetite for reading and writing, while adults demonstrated how to take turns and extended children’s vocabulary. For a parent, that means early learning includes listening, talking and learning to participate alongside other children.
Indoor and outdoor learning spaces supported exploration and manageable risk-taking. Children remained absorbed in activities, and exchanges with adults were positive. These findings describe opportunities to practise independence as well as language, rather than simply preparing for formal lessons.
Subject vocabulary. The April 2022 inspection identified a weakness in how some subject content connected with early years learning. Nursery children missed opportunities to encounter specific words they would need later. The practical issue was the selection of subject vocabulary, alongside the positive findings about everyday adult conversation.
Before children join, the school’s transition arrangements include home visits, open evenings and stay-and-play opportunities for families to meet staff. Children can also visit ahead of starting, accompanied by parents or independently. These introductions give families and children opportunities to become familiar with the setting before the regular nursery day begins.
For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact, working with the SENCO and Deputy SENCO. The school’s SEND arrangements allow adaptations such as visual timetables and extra processing time, with support planned around the individual child. Targeted support plans are reviewed each term and shared with parents, giving families a regular point to discuss how support is working.
Full-time nursery children eat lunch in the small hall. School meals carry a charge if families choose them; contact the school for current charges. The school operates a nut-free policy because of allergies, an important constraint for food brought from home. Teaching and non-teaching staff receive safeguarding training regularly.
Attending Toner Avenue’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The school’s admissions page directs parents to South Tyneside’s primary admissions arrangements; use that route when planning the next stage.
Transition support is a separate matter from admission. Where a child needs additional help with a change of setting, the school plans that support individually with parents and relevant staff. Photo books are one possible transition aid. Such preparation can help a child understand the change, but it does not secure a place.
The 15-hour pattern consists of five morning sessions or five afternoon sessions. For 30-hour children in the mixed-hours room, the day runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday. The other 30-hour room also operates all day across those weekdays. These patterns give families a choice between repeated shorter sessions and full days.
Families seeking a 30-hour place apply for an eligibility code through the local authority, which the school checks. Nursery applications use the online Nursery Application Form. The usual starting point is September after a child’s third birthday; entry during the year may be possible after turning three if spaces remain. Enquiries can go through the school’s contact form or by telephone on 0191 420 2588.
The usual start is September following a child’s third birthday. If spaces remain, the school may offer an earlier start during the year once the child is three.
Children attending for 15 hours take five mornings or five afternoons. The 30-hour provision operates Monday to Friday, with 8.45am to 3.15pm specified for the mixed-hours room.
Yes. They eat in the small hall, and there is a charge if they have school meals. The school is nut-free because of allergies.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school directs families to South Tyneside’s primary admissions arrangements.
Speak to the class teacher first. Teachers work with the SENCO and Deputy SENCO, and appointments can be arranged for more detailed discussions.
