Shiney Row Primary School Nursery Review

Counting through games, choosing electronic toys and learning to share give Shiney Row’s nursery its character: early learning combines practical exploration with the social business of playing together. This is the school’s own nursery, on the primary school site at Rear South View in Houghton le Spring. Children join from three, with morning, afternoon and full-time options subject to space and childcare eligibility.

Play gives mathematical ideas a concrete starting point. Early-years activities use stories, songs and everyday routines to explore quantities, comparisons, shapes and patterns. Both activities chosen by children and those led by adults include mathematical conversation, so learning involves explaining ideas as well as counting. Recognising a small quantity immediately, rather than counting each item, is introduced when children are ready.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) also includes making sense of everyday technology through Understanding the World. Classroom resources include electronic toys, iPads and interactive whiteboards. Children choose technology for a purpose and use it within their own play, connecting classroom exploration with devices they recognise elsewhere. Early conversations about online safety include identifying an adult to approach for help.

Read Write Inc. is the named early-years reading programme. At the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that early-years children were beginning reading well and encountering mathematical vocabulary from the outset. The same inspection described children practising sharing, taking turns and treating playmates kindly. These are useful foundations for participating in group activities: learning here includes how to play alongside others, as well as early reading and number work.

For children who need additional help, the school’s SEND structure includes a SENDCo, support from the deputy headteacher and a pastoral and behaviour coordinator. Its policy applies across the school and sets out early intervention, collaboration with families and outside agencies, and adjustments to help children participate. That gives parents a route for discussing barriers to learning rather than waiting for difficulties to become established.

Sunderland SEND Ranges organise recommended provision, strategies and possible referrals according to a child’s needs. Families are informed of their child’s range, which can change as needs develop. The class teacher or SENDCo is the contact for discussing this support.

Safeguarding also has a defined team: a designated lead and deputies handle concerns, advise staff and work with external agencies. Parents worried about a child are directed to this team immediately.

A separate application matters. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal school admissions process; Shiney Row follows Sunderland City Council’s procedures. Nursery registration is handled by the school itself, so the two routes need separate attention. Treat choosing nursery sessions and applying for Reception as distinct decisions.

Morning, afternoon and full-time sessions depend on available places and the appropriate childcare eligibility code. The admissions information directs families to Together for Children for universal funded early education for three- and four-year-olds and funded childcare for working parents. Eligibility therefore matters when considering the session pattern.

Nursery enquiries go directly to the school office. Registration can begin at age two using an office registration form, with the child’s birth certificate and evidence of the parent’s address required. The usual offer is for September after the third birthday; children turning three after September may receive an offer for the following term if space permits. Contact the office on 01913852701 or office@shineyrow.org.uk.