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Nursery at Chandlers Ridge Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A focus book each week, numbers explored through songs and games, and time for children to choose their own activities give Chandlers Ridge Academy’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, admitting children from their third birthday when a place is available. It forms part of an early years team of seven staff.
Ofsted’s April 2026 judgement for the school’s early years provision was Expected standard. That covers the early years as a whole, rather than providing a separate nursery rating. Relationships and indoor learning were strengths; outdoor learning needed further development.
Play and focused teaching share the day. Children choose activities, while adults also lead tasks and provide dedicated phonics and maths sessions. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning about language, relationships and movement with early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, that means play has a learning purpose alongside the more directed sessions.
White Rose Maths Mastery introduces numbers 1–5 through practical activities, songs and games. The Chandlers Ridge Phonics teaching sequence begins with Phase 1: listening to sounds, exploring rhyme and experimenting with words. Children can move to Phase 2 during nursery once they confidently demonstrate the Phase 1 skills. Progression depends on readiness.
A weekly focus book supports talking and listening. Children also build obstacle courses, practise ball skills and use scissors with increasing control. Indoors and outdoors, the emphasis includes choosing resources and working with other children, giving them opportunities to make decisions as well as follow instructions.
Outdoor learning. In April 2026, the indoor activities covered the curriculum more fully than the outdoor area. Outdoors offered fewer opportunities for purposeful independent learning, and development work had begun. Families considering the nursery should look closely at how outdoor activities now extend children’s learning.
Warm adult relationships support the early years experience. In April 2026, children adapted quickly to routines, adults helped extend their vocabulary, and children with SEND or other learning barriers received effective support and participated fully. Learning to manage feelings and do things independently was also part of daily teaching.
Tapestry carries photographs, observations and messages about children’s learning. Parents can raise concerns with staff at the door or by email, and staff discuss concerns as they arise. That creates a direct route for sharing changes at home or worries about a child’s day.
Fruit and milk are provided each day; children bring a labelled water bottle. Staff assist with changing and personal care when a child cannot manage alone, subject to parental permission. Without that permission, parents are called if their child needs help changing. Spare clothing can stay on the child’s peg. Handwashing and toothbrushing routines also feature in nursery learning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal local authority admissions process before a Reception offer can be made. Middlesbrough Local Authority handles the school’s admissions, so the nursery waiting list and the Reception application are separate steps.
The school aims to support the move from nursery to Reception by developing children’s knowledge, skills and attitudes. Treat that preparation as educational continuity, rather than reassurance about admission.
Morning drop-off runs from 8:30am to 8:40am, with collection between 11:20am and 11:30am. Afternoon drop-off is 12:30pm to 12:40pm, followed by collection from 3:20pm to 3:30pm. These are door-opening windows. Parents may help with belongings in the cloakroom before children go into nursery independently; at collection, children are called to the door.
Uniform includes grey bottoms, a white polo shirt, black shoes and a red jumper or cardigan bearing the school logo. Send a labelled coat and spare clothes; wellies can remain on the peg during winter.
Contact the nursery team at crnursery@chandlersridge.org.uk or call 01642 312741. Names can be added to the waiting list at any time, with the list ordered by birth date. Visits can be arranged through the school office.
Children can join as they turn three, subject to a place being available. Parents may add their child to the waiting list at any time.
Morning drop-off is 8:30am–8:40am and collection is 11:20am–11:30am. Afternoon drop-off is 12:30pm–12:40pm and collection is 3:20pm–3:30pm.
Tapestry provides observations, photographs and messages. You can also speak with staff at the door or contact them by email.
Bring a labelled water bottle and coat, plus a change of clothes that can stay on the peg. The nursery provides daily fruit and milk.
No. A separate application through the normal local authority admissions process is required before a Reception place can be offered.
