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Nursery at Hemlington Hall 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, nursery rhymes and conversation give Hemlington Hall Academy’s nursery its character. Language runs through the learning, with purposeful play alongside activities guided by adults. This is the academy’s own nursery in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, and children are offered a place in the term of their third birthday.
Early years reached Strong standard in the Ofsted inspection published on 28 April 2026. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school. Nursery learning was recognised for giving children a secure start, while the early years findings described children who concentrated, collaborated and became increasingly independent.
Play and teaching work together here. Children choose activities, watch adults demonstrate skills and take part in focused learning with staff. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects language, movement and emotional development with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning to explain an idea or cooperate with another child matters alongside learning about numbers.
SHREC shapes the play provision, linking practical exploration with shared learning and opportunities to return to familiar skills. Little Wandle Foundations for Phonics introduces sounds, rhymes and oral blending: children practise putting spoken sounds together to make words. For maths, Nursery uses Master the Curriculum. These give the day a planned learning direction while retaining opportunities for children to explore.
In April 2026, storytelling and deliberate vocabulary teaching were strengths of early years. Children remembered familiar stories, and adults helped them extend their spoken language. Practical activities also developed the hand control needed for writing; one example involved cutting mint with scissors. Small actions have a learning purpose. The same early years findings described regular phonics practice and teaching that helped children understand number.
Relationships support the learning. In April 2026, early years children were happy and safe, readily discussed their ideas with adults, and had staff who understood them well. Class Dojo connects home and nursery through shared learning experiences, with families encouraged to contribute what children have done at home.
For children with SEND, settling and changes of routine can include nursery stay-and-play, home visits and visual prompts. Support is tailored to the child. Every nursery child completes a language screen to help identify communication needs early; parents of children receiving SEND support are invited to termly reviews.
The school’s teachers hold qualified teacher status, and teaching assistants have at least a Level 2 qualification. A SEND coordinator and deputy coordinate additional support. Wheelchair-accessible classrooms and a disabled toilet and changing room provide practical support for access and personal care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through Middlesbrough Council’s coordinated primary admissions process. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle has passed.
For children with SEND, preparation for a new class can involve extra classroom visits, meeting the teacher, social stories and transition booklets. These help children understand unfamiliar people and routines. Transition support and the allocation of a Reception place are separate matters.
All nursery children are offered 15 hours each week through five mornings or five afternoons. Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.25am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Families qualifying for 30 hours can be offered the longer pattern if the nursery can accommodate them: 8.30am to 3.15pm Monday to Thursday, followed by 8.30am to 11.30am on Friday. That shorter Friday needs to fit the family’s childcare plans.
Gate 1 is the nursery collection and drop-off point. Parents request a nursery place through the school office, and session preferences are accommodated wherever possible. Contact the office on 01642 591171 or email admin@hemlingtonhall.lingfieldtrust.org.uk.
Children are offered a nursery place in the term in which they celebrate their third birthday.
The 15-hour offer uses five mornings or five afternoons. Eligible children may receive the 30-hour pattern if space permits, with longer days Monday to Thursday and a morning on Friday.
Learning follows the EYFS through play and adult guidance. Nursery uses Little Wandle Foundations for Phonics for sounds, rhymes and oral blending, and Master the Curriculum for maths.
No. A separate application is required through Middlesbrough Council’s coordinated primary admissions process.
Class Dojo is used to share learning and experiences from home. Families can also telephone the school office on 01642 591171.
