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Nursery at High Clarence 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Story Dough, a sensory den and recipes in the mud kitchen give High Clarence Academy’s nursery its character: learning through talk, imaginative play and practical discovery. The provision includes Little Clarences for two-year-olds, situated within the school’s Early Years area on Port Clarence Road, Middlesbrough. Children can join the two-year-old provision on their second birthday if a space is available.
In June 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating. Children developed language and confidence quickly, with adults introducing vocabulary during play. That makes communication a clear strength of the daily experience.
Play and teaching work together here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings physical development, communication and emotional development together with early literacy, maths, creativity and learning about the world. Children take part in activities guided by adults as well as following their own interests. Stories and rhymes provide a recurring thread, alongside daily maths and phonics activities.
Drawing Club and Story Dough give children opportunities to invent, create and practise making marks. Nursery phonics focuses on Phase 1 activities, while Launchpad for Literacy helps staff identify aspects of communication that need attention. Jigsaw supports social and emotional learning; The Whole of Me uses movement and music to support development. These approaches give play a clear purpose.
The physical detail is appealing. Cosy conversation spaces and adaptable resources support imaginative exploration indoors and outside. Numbered ducks in the water area introduce maths through play, while a home corner contains scales, an oven and a clock. Outdoor parking spaces and mud-kitchen recipes offer further opportunities to explore mathematical ideas. Learning also fits into snack time and tidying up, connecting concepts with familiar routines.
A sensory den gives children somewhere to pause, talk and regain calm. Daily snack and toast time sit alongside toothbrushing, making self-care part of the day. For children joining the two-year-old provision, a welcome meeting and settling session come before their start date, giving families an introduction to the setting and its routines.
Teachers and teaching assistants communicate with families through Class Dojo, sharing learning, achievements and news. Proud Clouds bring achievements from home into the setting, and children can borrow a library book each week. This creates practical ways for parents to contribute to learning rather than simply receive updates.
The Early Years lead also holds the SEND coordinator role. In June 2026, children’s additional needs were recognised early and support followed promptly. Adults helped children persevere, make choices and handle their emotions. Carefully planned entry arrangements helped staff understand individual needs, including those of children with SEND.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Stockton Borough Council’s admissions team, using the normal Reception application process and deadline. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.
Preparation for the next stage is a separate matter. Bespoke transition sessions, staff discussions and reviews of children’s needs help prepare nursery children for their next year group. The benefit is continuity in learning and relationships; it should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.
The nursery morning session runs from 8.45am to 11.45am. For eligible families, the nursery’s 30-hour provision runs Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.15pm, including a 45-minute lunch period. Eligibility applies to the working-family entitlement from the term following a child’s third birthday. Two-year-olds may qualify for 15 funded hours, with eligibility checked through Childcare Choices.
Contact the school office on 01642 561237 or email highclarence@highclarenceacademy.org to enquire. For the two-year-old provision, application forms are returned to the office with the child’s birth certificate. Families can also arrange a visit through the school.
Children can start in the two-year-old provision on their second birthday, provided a space is available.
Activities include stories, rhymes, maths, phonics and exploratory play. Drawing Club and Story Dough support imagination and mark making, with learning spaces indoors and outside.
Class Dojo carries learning updates and news. Proud Clouds share achievements from home, and children can borrow a library book weekly.
Two-year-olds may qualify for 15 funded hours. The nursery also offers 30-hour provision for eligible working families from the term after a child’s third birthday.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through Stockton Borough Council’s admissions team, following the normal application process and deadline.
