Easington Lane Primary School Nursery Review

Caterpillars changing into butterflies and faces made from playdough give Easington Lane’s nursery provision its character: learning through things children can watch, handle and make. Little Legs and Nursery sit within Easington Lane Primary School on High Street, Houghton le Spring. The school’s nursery provision begins at age two, giving younger children a starting point within the primary setting.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides learning in both Little Legs and Nursery. In parent language, this brings children’s development, learning, health and safety together. The approach emphasises relationships with adults, experiences responsive to individual needs and partnership with families. Creative expression and speaking and listening feature in the school’s curriculum aims, so learning is about developing communication and confidence as well as knowledge.

Nursery activities make that approach concrete. In September 2023, an All About Me topic included painted self-portraits and faces assembled from natural materials and playdough in Forest School. Children also explored autumn changes and decorated leaves. These examples connect making things with noticing the world around them.

Outdoor exploration extends to Little Legs. An April 2024 activity involved searching for mini beasts beneath logs and in long grass in Forest School, giving children real places to investigate. Inside the nursery’s caterpillar tub, a different kind of observation unfolded in May 2026: children checked the chrysalides each day for changes. The activity gave them something to follow over time, rather than a single finished demonstration.

Settling includes becoming familiar with the daily rhythm. At the October and November 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that adults supported early years children with routines, helping them focus on learning.

For concerns about development or progress, the school’s first contact is the class teacher. Its special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo) coordinates support, works with families and contacts external professionals. Parents are informed when staff identify a possible special educational need, providing a route into discussion rather than leaving concerns with one adult.

Family access receives practical attention too. The accessibility plan includes meetings in accessible locations and progress updates by email or telephone for parents whose mobility prevents attendance. Disabled parking bays are another concrete provision that can help families take part.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Admission to Easington Lane Primary School is handled through Sunderland Council, with an online information and application route. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the afternoon session is 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Full-time nursery places covering 30 hours are offered to families with a childcare eligibility code. That condition matters when choosing a pattern around work or other care.

The charging structure distinguishes Little Legs childcare, where sessions have a three-hour maximum and depend on availability, from additional nursery childcare for children using 30 hours. Payments go through Arbor. Refer to the school for current charges.

Enquiries can go through the contact form, office@elps.school or 0191 517 1700. School visits can also be arranged. The school’s uniform policy applies to children attending school; items can be bought through Tots to Teams or supermarkets, giving families a choice of supplier.