Nunthorpe Primary Academy Nursery

Hands-on play gives Nunthorpe’s nursery its character, with conversation and early number learning woven into activities. This is the school’s own nursery provision in Middlesbrough, with entry centred on children turning three. Nursery and Reception work together as an early years unit, giving children familiarity with the next stage of school life.

Learning starts through play. Children explore in practical ways, with adults helping them develop ideas and skills. In October 2023, the early years learning spaces were clearly organised and equipped to support interaction between children and adults. The physical arrangement matters: activities give staff opportunities to join children’s play and extend their understanding.

Number learning can take the form of a game involving frogs jumping into a river. Adults use the activity to develop mathematical understanding, connecting an idea to something children can act out. Communication also receives deliberate attention. In October 2023, children could explain their learning in articulate conversations, showing how play and language development work together.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, is the framework for the youngest children’s learning. Here, the practical emphasis is on hands-on exploration and talk: children learn through doing, while adults help them put their understanding into words.

Preparation begins with getting to know the child. Before nursery entry, a meeting with the family covers interests, health requirements and development. Parents also have an opportunity to explore the setting with their child. That gives the team personal information to work with before the nursery routine begins, rather than treating every new starter alike.

For children using the funded 30-hour provision, lunch can be a school meal with a separate charge or a packed lunch brought from home. Families therefore have a choice about how to provide food during the longer day. The deputy headteacher also holds the school’s special educational needs coordinator role, providing a contact for discussions about additional needs. Messages to staff can go through the office or the teacher contact form.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. For enquiries about that process and school places, contact the Admissions Team at Redcar and Cleveland Council.

Familiarity is a separate benefit. Nursery and Reception work closely together, so children moving on can already know the Reception staff and classroom. This helps make the change of setting less unfamiliar; it does not secure admission.

Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon session is 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The funded 30-hour arrangement uses five six-hour days, running continuously from 8.45am to 2.45pm. Lunch sits within that continuous day. Optional care until 3.30pm carries a separate charge, so families can choose the earlier collection instead. Contact the school for current charges.

Register nursery interest through the school office on 01642 315508 or at enquiries@nunthorpeprimary.org.uk. Approximately three months before a child turns three, the school contacts the family to check whether the place is still wanted and offer a visit and individual meeting.

Family calendars. Holidays in Redcar and Cleveland for 2026/27 do not all coincide with those in other local authority areas. Families coordinating children at different schools should compare term dates before arranging childcare.