Gillas Lane Primary Academy Nursery Review

Children put their play plans into words at Gillas Lane, then try them out and talk about what happened. That Plan, Do, Review rhythm gives this nursery its character: choosing, doing and explaining are connected parts of the morning.

Nursery children can start on their third birthday and belong to an Early Years Unit that also accommodates Reception children. The nursery sits beside the main school, on its right, with a separate entrance. It has a distinct point of access while remaining part of the academy on Seaton Avenue in Houghton le Spring.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum here puts communication, practical learning and relationships into everyday play. Three priorities shape the school's early years planning: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Rich Vocabulary and Raising Aspirations. Activities and learning areas change with children's interests, development and seasonal themes, rather than remaining fixed throughout the year.

Plan, Do, Review makes the process concrete. Children describe their intended play in a complete sentence before getting started. Adults join in as play partners, helping conversations develop; afterwards, children look back on their activity and learning. This gives speaking a purpose beyond answering an adult's question.

Inside and outside, learning areas invite children to explore and choose activities. The school aims for a familiar, homelike atmosphere. Maths also appears within early years play and the surrounding environment, so mathematical learning extends beyond a separate adult-led task.

Early literacy begins in small groups. Nursery children encounter Read, Write Inc picture cards during the summer term as preparation for later phonics learning. Speech and language have their own named support: early years staff receive ELKLAN training, the setting holds Communication Friendly Setting accreditation, and Nursery NELI is used with nursery children. These are concrete features for families whose child needs help expressing ideas or understanding language.

In June 2024, Ofsted found that early years children were taught to share turns and develop relationships. Its findings also described a planned mathematics curriculum beginning in early years, with children encouraged to explain their thinking.

Each child receives a key worker on joining. That gives families an identified adult within the setting, alongside daily opportunities to speak with staff. Class Dojo connects parents with the early years team, support staff, senior leaders and SENDCo through direct messages and updates about activities.

Stay and Play brings parents into nursery, with parent consultations held each term during these sessions. The linked Health Visitor attends too, providing a face-to-face connection with support that can continue at home. This can address diet, health, toileting or sleep. A Family Worker also helps with Early Help and attendance, giving families another route for discussing difficulties beyond the classroom.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the City of Sunderland's Admissions Team, following the normal application process and deadline. Choosing nursery should therefore be a decision about the child's early years experience, with the later school application treated separately.

Transition is planned between nursery and Reception, and families receive information about what to expect and how to help at home. Sharing an Early Years Unit provides continuity of setting; it does not secure admission.

The nursery morning runs from 8:45am to 11:45am, Monday to Friday. Separately, the offer includes 30 funded hours for eligible families from September 2026. Eligibility matters when considering that entitlement.

Nursery applications are handled by the school office. Prospective families can arrange a visit during school hours, allowing them to see the early years setting while it is operating. Contact the office on 0191 500 5956 or email gillas.lane@aimhigh.co.uk to book.

Collection arrangements also need attention: children are released only to people on their collection list. Keep that list current with the office, and telephone if delayed so staff can reassure your child.