Shaftoe Trust Academy Nursery

Independent practice gives Shaftoe’s early years its character. In June 2022, children were able to demonstrate their learning and take pride in their growing skills. The nursery belongs to Shaftoe Trust Academy in Haydon Bridge, giving families a school-based starting point.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 15 and 16 June 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Learning has a planned purpose. In June 2022, the early years curriculum identified the knowledge and skills children should develop across its learning areas. Classroom activities gave them opportunities to use those skills independently. For parents, the useful distinction is between simply completing an activity and being able to show what a child has learned through it.

Children’s enthusiasm extended to numbers, artists and their understanding of the world in June 2022. They were eager to discuss their discoveries. These examples give a concrete picture of early learning that includes both mathematical ideas and curiosity about life beyond the classroom.

Welcome visits provide an opportunity to discuss toilet training with nursery staff. The school asks families to work towards potty training before nursery wherever possible. Children who are still learning can receive advice from the nursery team, so this is a conversation to have before starting rather than a difficulty to keep to yourself.

Support also extends to home routines and family circumstances. Staff can help with bedtime and morning routines, bereavement, emotional wellbeing and the challenges of supporting a child with SEND at home. Families can approach the office, which arranges contact with an appropriate team member. A special educational needs coordinator provides a route for concerns about SEND provision.

The Toby Henderson Trust offers families workshops and support groups, including sessions about sensory needs and managing meltdowns. Children do not need a diagnosis for their parents to attend. This gives families a practical support option while they are seeking to understand their child’s needs.

Across the school, staff undertake safeguarding training annually. Shaftoe also participates in Operation Encompass, connecting schools with police following police-attended incidents of domestic abuse that children have witnessed or experienced.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Northumberland County Council, following the normal admissions timetable. Keep that application separate from the nursery paperwork.

The school handles nursery enquiries through its office, whereas the council manages Reception admissions. This difference matters even for a child already attending Shaftoe: starting nursery and obtaining a school place are separate decisions.

The nursery’s morning session currently finishes at 12.30pm. Collection takes place at the garden gate, a concrete detail for planning the midday handover.

For a nursery application, contact the school office on 01434 684309. The office supplies the forms and explains the process. Individual appointments to visit are available, giving prospective families an opportunity to meet staff and ask questions before applying.