Bankfields Primary School Nursery Review

Play, conversation and growing independence shape the nursery offer at Bankfields, with indoor and outdoor learning spaces giving children different ways to explore. This is the school's own provision for three and four year olds in Eston, on Mansfield Road. Children can join after their third birthday, with places dependent on staffing and pupil numbers.

For the 2025/2026 school year, the nursery had 39 morning places and was based in the East Building. It belongs to the Foundation Stage and Year 1 team, so its organisation connects nursery teaching with the next stages of early learning. Ofsted's February 2026 judgement was Strong standard for early years, covering the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Learning through play is the starting point. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together movement, relationships and communication with early mathematics, reading, writing, creativity and understanding the world. Bankfields places particular emphasis on talking and interaction: these are intended to help children develop the language they need for later learning. Indoor and outdoor spaces both form part of that offer.

In February 2026, early years staff demonstrated precise vocabulary which children then brought into their play. Classroom investigations included discussing why objects sink or float. Another activity used tallies to build a pictogram comparing children's fruit preferences, turning a familiar subject into an introduction to recording and interpreting information. These examples concern early years as a whole.

Books also have a clear role before children begin reading independently. Early years children developed enthusiasm for books, alongside opportunities to give their writing a purpose. Teaching was adjusted as children's needs emerged, including for disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The practical implication is a curriculum that changes with the child rather than expecting everyone to progress identically.

The class teacher has responsibility for both learning and pastoral care and is the usual first contact for parents. ParentMail carries school updates, while family learning events give parents opportunities to take part in children's learning. In February 2026, partnership with parents was highly effective across early years.

Additional needs can be raised during the nursery application: the nursery teacher then contacts the family to discuss support. This gives families a direct route to discuss the support their child may need. Across Bankfields, the Thrive Approach supports emotional development through classroom strategies and targeted work with individuals or groups.

Food routines include an offer of toast or a bagel to all children between 8:50am and 9:15am. Children can decline it; families should provide breakfast at home if neither suits them. Bankfields is nut-free, and each child receives a water bottle for plain water.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, following its normal application timetable. The local authority allocates places, with criteria covering care status, the admission zone, siblings, supported exceptional needs and distance.

Transition support is a separate matter. School arrangements include a transition week towards the academic year's end to introduce new routines and staff. Where a child needs additional help, a personalised package can include extra visits or a pupil passport. Familiarity supports the change of class; it does not determine admission.

Morning nursery runs from 8:40am to 11:40am during term time. The universal entitlement covers 15 hours for three and four year olds, with no daily chargeable extras for this morning provision.

Since September 2026, eligible families can access up to 30 funded hours each term-time week. Flexible sessions depend on demand and availability. Parents need a government eligibility code before taking up this offer and can register through the online nursery application. Enquiries can go to the office on 01642 453157 or office@bankfields.steelriver.org.uk.

School uniform combines royal blue knitwear or a sweatshirt with a white top and grey or black bottoms. Families should tell the class teacher about changes to collection arrangements and contact school promptly if collection will be delayed.