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Nursery at Discovery Special 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication comes first at Discovery’s specialist Assessment Nursery. With 10 funded places, this is provision for children whose developing needs require assessment alongside early learning. The nursery shares the Sandy Flatts Lane site in Acklam, Middlesbrough, with the academy’s primary phase.
Assessment is part of the nursery’s purpose, rather than simply a step before joining it. Children approaching school age follow an education, health and care (EHC) assessment pathway, with families and professionals helping determine their next placement. Ofsted judged early years provision Good following the inspection on 18 and 19 January 2023. That judgement covers the academy’s early years provision.
Play, sensory exploration and learning through discovery shape the early years foundation stage (EYFS) curriculum here. In practical terms, activities teach early skills through experiences children can explore, with initial assessments and continuing observation informing what comes next. Learning intentions can also draw on physiotherapy, sensory integration, speech and language work and BLAST. Education and therapeutic goals therefore sit alongside one another.
Communication has concrete supports: Makaton, objects of reference, communication aids and visual prompts. These give children different ways to understand and participate. The Discovery phonics programme begins with listening to environmental sounds, exploring sounds made by instruments and bodies, and using rhymes and rhythm. Progression to Read Write Inc. depends on readiness, so early listening work has a place of its own.
Numbers also become practical. Children count objects and sing number songs; blocks, sorting and puzzles introduce size, pattern and shape. Sharing snacks provides opportunities to explore quantities and equal shares. In January 2023, early years teaching developed communication, early reading, number and art, with connections between learning areas helping children link ideas.
Physical access matters alongside the learning activities. Academy buildings have step-free entrances and exits, accessible changing facilities and toilets, and corridor handrails. These features support participation for children with mobility and personal care needs.
Before a child starts, the academy aims to bring together family knowledge, professional advice and observations in the child’s existing setting where possible. Several supported visits are intended to help children become familiar with school. A home visit by the school nurse or SEND Inclusion Officer is also part of the intended preparation, helping establish a care plan before the first day.
Feeding and medical care receive specific attention: any procedures needed during the school day must be approved as safe, with staff competence confirmed by the relevant NHS practitioner. This makes individual care requirements part of preparation for starting, alongside learning resources and physical access.
The SEND Inclusion Team coordinates additional support. Teachers develop Individual Education Plans with relevant specialists, giving staff a shared account of a child’s needs. Across the academy, progress is reviewed each half term and families are invited to parent and teacher consultations twice a year.
Attendance. In January 2023, persistent absence affected some early years children. Leaders were asked to continue helping families improve attendance, because missed learning also interrupts the development of familiar school routines.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The next placement is a separate decision through the EHC assessment process, with a local authority SEND Link officer guiding each family. Planning considers the child’s emerging needs and may lead to a mainstream school with extra support, a specialist base or unit, or a special school.
Parents should begin with their home local authority’s SEND Team. For a placement at Discovery, applications must go in writing to both the academy and Middlesbrough local authority; the home authority must agree to name the academy in the child’s EHCP, subject to the availability of places. Nursery familiarity should therefore be kept separate from the placement decision.
Visits can be arranged through the academy on 01642 248333. The academy does not charge for education during academy hours; optional extras may carry charges. Families should refer to the academy for current charges.
Transport. Local authority transport depends on eligibility, and the academy does not organise or run that service. Families need to resolve travel arrangements with the relevant authority when considering a placement.
Academy uniform includes grey or black bottoms, a white or purple polo shirt and a purple cardigan or sweatshirt. Orders can be made through the academy office or Lollipops.
The specialist Assessment Nursery has 10 funded places.
The EYFS approach uses play and sensory exploration. Examples include counting objects, number songs, sorting, puzzles and early listening activities.
No. The next placement is considered through the EHC assessment pathway, with a local authority SEND Link officer supporting the family.
Required procedures must be confirmed as safe, with staff competence signed off by the relevant NHS practitioner before the child starts.
Yes. Contact the academy on 01642 248333 to arrange a visit.
