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Nursery at Eppleton Academy 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conversation and learning everyday routines give Eppleton’s nursery its clearest character. In September 2024, adults in the early years developed children’s language through attentive exchanges, extending vocabulary as they responded. That makes talking part of learning, rather than simply a way to organise the session.
The nursery belongs to Eppleton Academy Primary School in Hetton-le-Hole. Its team includes a nursery teacher who also leads early years, alongside a teaching assistant. The school and nursery occupy a single-storey building with accessible ramps, doorways and corridors, useful practical features for children with mobility needs. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 24 and 25 September 2024; this covers early years within the school.
Language development has a concrete form here: adults listen to children and build on their responses, helping them learn words and express their ideas. In September 2024, children in early years were also being directly taught manners and familiar routines. Learning how to take part in the group sits alongside learning how to communicate.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects communication, physical development and social confidence with early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, that means development extends beyond reading and number work. Eppleton’s approach to adapting teaching is called Quality First Teaching: teachers adjust resources and teaching methods to children’s needs, giving different learners ways to participate.
Preparation can begin at home with the nursery familiarisation video, helping a child recognise the setting before starting. For children with SEND, families are offered a visit before admission, with a transition programme where appropriate. Background information and advice from relevant agencies help staff establish the support a child needs.
Concerns start with the class teacher, with the SEND coordinator involved when needed. Support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. Parents of children receiving SEND support meet the teacher each term to discuss progress and agree next steps, so adjustments can respond to how their child is developing.
Practical adaptations include extra processing time, visual prompts and teaching vocabulary in advance. Speech and language therapists and the Autism Outreach Team can contribute when necessary. These are arrangements matched to individual needs, rather than a single package for every child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority in the normal admissions round and meet the published deadline.
For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance does confer oversubscription priority: it is the fifth criterion, below looked-after and previously looked-after children, qualifying siblings, exceptional medical or psychological circumstances, and qualifying children of staff. Distance decides priority within each category, using the shortest safest walking route. The benefit is real, but higher-priority applications can still take the places.
For children with SEND moving between classes, staff share support plans with the next teacher. A transition page provides photographs and information about staff, room organisation and routines; classroom visits are arranged according to the child’s needs. This preparation is separate from the allocation of a place.
Morning nursery sessions finish at 11:45am, while afternoon sessions finish at 3:15pm. Applications go directly to the school office, with a nursery application to complete. Contact the office at office@eppletonacademyprimary.co.uk.
Yellow polo shirts distinguish the nursery uniform. They are worn with a royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan, grey trousers or a skirt, and plain black shoes; an embroidered school logo is optional. Winter clothing includes a fleece-lined waterproof jacket, with wellies depending on the weather. Jewellery, including earrings, is prohibited.
The nursery entrance is behind the school, reached through the school yard. Children attending afternoon nursery sessions use the main school entrance. That distinction matters when planning the first journey with your child.
No. A separate application is required through your home local authority. For September 2027, nursery attendance is the fifth oversubscription criterion, so it gives priority but does not guarantee admission.
The morning session ends at 11:45am and the afternoon session at 3:15pm.
Contact the school office directly and complete a nursery application. The office email is office@eppletonacademyprimary.co.uk.
A yellow polo shirt, royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan, grey trousers or skirt, and plain black shoes. The embroidered school logo is optional, and jewellery is prohibited.
Start with your child’s class teacher. The SEND coordinator can help assess needs and coordinate support, with termly discussions involving parents of children receiving SEND support.
