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Nursery at Ayresome 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storytelling, movement and outdoor exploration give Ayresome’s youngest children plenty to do before formal school begins. On Worcester Street in Middlesbrough, the provision combines Pre-Nursery for two-year-olds with Nursery from the third birthday. There are 15 places in the two-year-old setting and a 52-place Nursery offering morning and afternoon sessions.
Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 17 and 18 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language runs through the day. Nursery follows Little Wandle Foundations for Phonics, with stories, poems, action rhymes and listening activities rather than an immediate jump into formal reading. Children practise oral blending, hearing sounds combined into words. Adult-directed experiences sit alongside activities children choose themselves, giving them opportunities both to listen and to take the lead.
A reading corner is accessible each day during children’s independent activity time, with books changed regularly. In May 2023, adults extended children’s vocabulary through play: scales became an opportunity to introduce words for comparing weight. This makes ordinary equipment part of language and mathematical learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum connects learning with practical exploration. In the 2025–2026 Nursery programme, daily Dough Disco and Wiggle Me into Squiggle combined hand practice with larger movements. A home corner contained dolls, pretend food and utensils, while outdoor resources included tunnels, bricks and crates. Children could act out familiar routines or build something of their own. Weekly Welly Wednesday began in the spring term, adding exploration of the local natural environment.
For two-year-olds, the 2025–2026 programme included outdoor play each day, a home-corner photo album for birthdays and other special moments, and activities exploring bubbles and colour mixing. Separate new outdoor areas for Pre-Nursery and Nursery formed part of a September 2024 development.
Family involvement starts early. The two-year-old programme for 2025–2026 included initial stay-and-play sessions with family members, followed by opportunities to join singing, movement and Dough Disco activities. Nursery workshops covered independence, rhyme and early writing. These give parents practical ways to take part in their child’s learning.
Toast and a water station children could use themselves were part of the 2025–2026 Nursery routines. Food also appeared in learning through porridge tasting and making gingerbread men.
For additional needs, parents begin with the class teacher. The school’s Inclusion team includes a SENDCo, a safeguarding officer and a school counsellor; external support includes Children’s Speech and Language Therapy and the Early Years and Primary Inclusion Team. SEND planning. In May 2023, school-wide support plans needed clearer targets and strategies. Families needing additional support should pay close attention to how their child’s individual plan translates into daily help.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers an oversubscription priority for the September 2027 intake. Parents must make a separate application through their home local authority. Middlesbrough residents apply through Middlesbrough Council, with a deadline of 15 January 2027 for that intake.
Transition activity is a separate matter. The 2025–2026 Nursery programme included a New to Reception transition day, giving children an opportunity to prepare for the next stage. It does not change the admissions process.
Morning sessions finish at 11.45am. Afternoon sessions begin at 12.30pm and finish at 3.30pm, so collection arrangements need to fit the nursery timetable.
Eligible families can access funded two-year-old places; parent-funded places are also offered to families who do not qualify or wish to purchase a place. Eligible children begin their funded place in the term after their second birthday. The Admin Team supports applications and discussions about these options.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01642 244961 or email office@ayresome.adastraschools.org. Nursery waiting-list applications can be made through the office or by completing an application form, with a passport or birth certificate required.
Pre-Nursery caters for two-year-olds. Children cannot enter Nursery before their third birthday.
Morning sessions end at 11.45am. Afternoon sessions run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
Children follow Little Wandle Foundations for Phonics through stories, rhymes, listening activities and oral blending.
Yes, for eligible families. Parent-funded places are also offered for families who do not qualify for funding or wish to purchase a place.
No. Nursery attendance gives no oversubscription priority for September 2027, and a separate application is required through the home local authority. The deadline for that intake is 15 January 2027.
