Newham Bridge Primary School Nursery

Three-hour sessions give Newham Bridge’s nursery its practical shape: a morning or an afternoon within the primary school in Acklam, Middlesbrough. The nursery team comprises a class teacher and two teaching assistants. For families considering a school nursery, that is a concrete starting point: a nursery class with its own teaching team, supported by the school’s wider services.

Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the afternoon runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. These are distinct session windows, so families can assess how each fits their daily arrangements.

Children have an assessment when they begin nursery. Staff and the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo) consider their learning development and social skills to identify where additional help may be needed. This gives support planning a starting point in the child’s own development.

Across the school, teaching can be adjusted each day to meet individual learning needs. Where useful, children can use visual aids, pencil grips or supportive cushions. The surrounding school play spaces have ramp access, and accessible toilet facilities are provided. These physical arrangements matter for children whose participation depends on suitable access or equipment.

Before nursery starts, every family is offered welcome meetings, stay and play sessions, or both. This gives families an opportunity to become familiar with the setting before their child starts. Visits before enrolment are also encouraged.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), support involves both the class teacher and SENDCo. Parents contribute to planning, with targets discussed and reviewed at least once each term. If staff are concerned about a child’s progress, a meeting brings together the family’s concerns, possible additional help and any proposed referral. Parents therefore have a defined role in deciding the next steps.

Specialist help may involve Speech and Language Therapy or the Early Years Specialist Support Service. Consent is sought before outside services are contacted. The school also invites parents and carers to termly SEND coffee meetings, with discussion shaped by the group’s needs.

Medical care includes health plans where appropriate. Staff can administer medicines when parents have completed the required consent form, and receive training in basic paediatric first aid. These arrangements give families a practical framework for discussing a child’s medical needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no priority under the 2026-2027 admission arrangements. Families must apply separately through Middlesbrough Council’s coordinated admissions process, using the common admissions form, by the normal application deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

Preparation for a new class is a different matter. For children with SEND, information is shared with the next teacher in advance, usually alongside a planning meeting. Additional teacher visits and photographs of the new surroundings can help make the change more familiar; social stories or a transition book can be made where helpful. This is support for the move, rather than an admissions advantage.

The school is on Cayton Drive, Acklam, Middlesbrough, TS5 7NJ. Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 01642 816884 or contact@newhambridge.org.uk. Families wishing to discuss additional educational needs can arrange a meeting with the SEND team through the office.

Arbor Parent Portal and the Parent App handle school administration, including parent appointment bookings. The school operates cashless payments for lunches and trips through Arbor, giving families a single route for those transactions.