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Nursery at Barnwell Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Phonics begins in Nursery at Barnwell Academy, giving books and early reading a place alongside learning how to cooperate. This is the academy’s own school nursery in Penshaw, with 36 places: 18 for mornings and 18 for afternoons, each running five days a week. It serves children who turn four between September and the following August.
The school nursery and Barnwell Daycare have different arrangements. The nursery provides the morning or afternoon school session; Daycare can provide additional care around it. Ofsted judged the academy’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, while the afternoon runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. A consistent morning or afternoon across five days gives families a regular weekly pattern.
Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), learning includes practical mathematics, early reading and getting used to shared routines. In June 2023, children were absorbed in their activities. One mathematics example involved dividing 12 toy ducks into two equal sets of six, making quantities something children could handle and compare.
Books matter from the start. Nursery children begin phonics and can remember and discuss books they enjoy, connecting early reading with conversation. Children also have access to the school library and can borrow books to share at home. That gives families a concrete way to join in with reading beyond the session.
A nursery teacher and a nursery teaching assistant form the classroom team. In June 2023, early years staff helped children learn routines and cooperate with one another. Learning to manage a shared day is part of the provision alongside reading and mathematics.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the academy aims to adapt learning to individual needs and involve both children and parents. The SEND Ranges provide a framework for identifying needs, with support organised through a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review.
Families using additional Daycare sessions have meals, drinks and snacks included in those extra-session fees, prepared by an in-house catering team. During funded Daycare hours, lunch and tea attract extra charges; breakfast, the mid-session snack and milk are free. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery attendance gives no priority for school admission and does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Sunderland City Council, using the Common Application Form by the normal closing date. The local authority makes the offer on the school’s behalf.
Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions. A familiar school setting does not replace the application process.
Nursery applications are handled by the academy office, with a birth certificate required when applying. Families can register after their child’s second birthday. Contact the office on 0191 584 4440 or email office@barnwellacademy.co.uk.
Fee-paying Daycare wraparound care is available to academy children up to age five, with arrangements made through the Daycare Office around the child’s school hours. Holiday childcare is also offered through Daycare, whose registration extends until the term after a child’s fifth birthday.
Parking. Stopping or dropping children on the School Keep Clear zigzags is prohibited. Families driving to a session should allow time to park safely away from the entrance and walk.
Children who turn four between September and the following August can apply. Nursery applications can be made after the child’s second birthday.
Morning sessions are 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoon sessions are 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Each pattern runs five days a week.
No. Nursery attendance gives no school admission priority. A separate Reception application must be made through Sunderland City Council by the normal closing date.
Academy children up to age five can use fee-paying Daycare wraparound care. The Daycare Office arranges this around their school hours.
Extra-session Daycare fees include meals, drinks and snacks. For funded Daycare hours, lunch and tea carry extra charges, while breakfast, the mid-session snack and milk are free.
