Teesville Academy Nursery Review

Play, language and the beginnings of reading shape the nursery experience at Teesville Academy. Children can join from the age of 3, with 15 hour and 30 hour provision offered within the primary school on Lime Road, Normanby. These are two different amounts of nursery time for families to consider.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 19 and 20 September 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning. In parent terms, this means developing communication, movement and relationships alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Activities take account of children's interests and individual development, so planning has room to respond to the child.

Exploration is part of the approach: children investigate, try things out and develop ideas of their own. KAPOW supports personal and social learning in early years through managing feelings and behaviour, building relationships and looking after oneself. Creative work also begins in early years, with planning linked to the Development Matters Framework. Learning therefore includes both developing ideas and learning how to manage everyday social situations.

Reading begins with preparation. Nursery children develop pre-reading skills before formal phonics teaching starts in Reception, and families are encouraged to share stories at home. In September 2023, early years teaching built knowledge, skills and language in stages. Staff used checks on children's understanding to decide where further practice was needed. This gives practice a purpose: consolidating learning before moving ahead.

Relationships provided a strong foundation in September 2023: children got on very well with adults and one another, and enjoyed learning and playing together. Parents were involved in learning too. Before joining, families can arrange a visit to meet the nursery teacher, offering a chance to become familiar with the setting.

An early years SEND lead forms part of the school's support structure. Parents can contribute to SEND reviews by explaining what works, what could change and what support they need. SEND support. In September 2023, adaptations for pupils with SEND were inconsistent across the school. This was a school-wide concern, making the practical use of an individual support plan an important consideration for families.

School meals are cooked on site, with sandwiches, a vegetarian option and a salad bar among the choices. School food rules exclude nuts, and children should bring a named bottle filled with plain water. These are practical points for preparing belongings and food.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's intake. Redcar and Cleveland admissions supports families with this process. For the past 2026 admissions cycle, the closing date was 15th January 2026; that date should not be used for a later intake.

Curriculum continuity. In September 2023, the connection between early years learning and the key stage 1 curriculum needed strengthening. This concerns how later teaching builds on earlier learning, rather than any admissions advantage from attending nursery.

Register interest using the nursery registration form, or arrange a visit by calling 01642 452806. General enquiries can also go to enquiries@teesvilleacademy.org.uk. The 15 hour and 30 hour options are the starting point for considering attendance.

Nursery has its own entrance with an internally controlled security release. Children are handed directly to an approved adult over 18 at collection, and a change of collector must be agreed in advance. This makes advance communication essential when someone else will collect your child.