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Nursery at Priory Woods School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor games become communication lessons at Priory Woods: adults put children's play into words, helping those who do not communicate verbally to join in and understand instructions. This is the distinctive early years context for the nursery provision at a community special school in east Middlesbrough, serving children with severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple needs.
The school shares a purpose-built site with Outwood Academy Ormesby. Ofsted judged its early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 10 and 11 December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Learning starts with the individual child. Engage, Explore and Challenge are the school's curriculum pathways, extending from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) onwards. The school designs learning around children's interests and strengths, with movement between pathways possible for some learners. For parents, the emphasis is on the next useful step for their child.
In early years, number learning includes songs and rhymes. Outdoors, children create their own games using play equipment; adults supply language for children who cannot speak, and children develop vocabulary and respond to directions. Play serves a clear learning purpose. In December 2024, children were developing these communication skills quickly.
Across the school, Total Communication accepts different ways of expressing a choice or need. Makaton, photographs and objects can sit alongside speech; classroom visual timetables help explain what happens next. Support is personalised, so spoken language is only one route into participation.
Independence also begins in EYFS. Adults demonstrate and support tasks before giving children opportunities to attempt them, including putting away a coat or bag and communicating what they want. These everyday actions make learning relevant to care routines as well as play.
Curriculum checks. In December 2024, some school learning, especially on the Challenge pathway, did not fit pupils' existing understanding closely enough. School evaluation also needed stronger systems to identify provision gaps. These were school-wide concerns, rather than findings specifically about the nursery.
Communication support extends beyond the classroom. Speech and language therapists take responsibility for assessing suitable augmentative and alternative communication methods. The school also involves families through resources, training and shared strategies, helping adults support communication at home.
ClassDojo gives parents access to classroom photographs, videos and messages. Arbor provides another connection with school, allowing families to update their child's information and receive updates. These offer practical ways to follow activities and keep personal details accurate.
Nursery children can bring a packed lunch or have a charged school meal. The school asks families to exclude foods containing nuts, including peanut butter. Meal payments can be managed through Arbor; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should contact the local authority to establish the Reception placement process. For Priory Woods, placement enquiries go through the local authority; Middlesbrough's SEN Assessment team can help families with the placement process. Keep that admissions decision separate from the familiarity a child develops while attending nursery.
Priory Woods is on Tothill Avenue in Netherfields, Middlesbrough. To discuss an application or ask about the school, telephone 01642 770540 or email office@priorywoodsschool.com. The local authority handles placement enquiries, while the school office is the contact for discussing the provision.
Professional development days affect family arrangements: pupils do not attend on those days. The next listed date is Monday 30 November 2026. Families should account for this when planning care around the school calendar.
No. Contact the local authority to establish the Reception placement process at Priory Woods.
Early years provision was judged Outstanding at the inspection on 10 and 11 December 2024. This is a school early years judgement, not a separate nursery rating.
In early years outdoor play, adults describe children's games to support vocabulary and understanding. The school's Total Communication approach also includes personalised support using gestures, objects, photographs, symbols and communication aids.
Yes. Nursery children can bring a packed lunch or have a charged school meal. Foods containing nuts should not be brought into school.
Telephone 01642 770540 or email office@priorywoodsschool.com. For placement enquiries, contact your local authority; Middlesbrough's SEN Assessment team is on 01642 201831.
