Ellington Primary School Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and learning to play together give Ellington’s early years provision its character. The nursery sits on the primary school site on Warkworth Drive in Ellington. The school describes it as lively and friendly, with children eligible to start in the term after their third birthday. This is a school-based start to early learning, with a choice of morning or afternoon placements alongside a 30 hour option.

Early reading begins with listening and joining in. In July 2024, children in the early years encountered letter sounds through rhymes and songs, giving them an introduction to the connection between spoken sounds and written letters. For a young child, that makes familiar language activities part of learning to read.

Curiosity has a place alongside those first reading steps. Activities in the early years were designed to develop imaginative thinking and understanding, while giving children opportunities to communicate their ideas and explore the world. The emphasis reaches beyond learning letter sounds: children also practise expressing themselves and working alongside others.

During the same month, early years children showed sustained attention, participated readily in activities and played together successfully. Their development was very positive. These findings give parents a useful picture of the learning experience: children were engaging with what they did and building the concentration and social skills needed to take part in a group.

Inclusion is a stated aim across the school. Ellington aims to involve children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) throughout school life, and treats their support as part of its overall provision. Families can contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school telephone number, providing a direct route for discussing a child’s needs.

Consistency of SEND support. In July 2024, some pupils across the school received support that did not consistently follow their individual plans, limiting their progress. The school was asked to strengthen its oversight of SEND provision. This was a school-wide concern, and makes the practical delivery of a child’s support plan a useful focus for family discussions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Ellington. Parents must make a separate application online through Northumberland County Council, by the deadline for the relevant admissions cycle. A nursery registration does not complete that process. Keep the two applications separate in your planning, even if your child is already attending the nursery.

The placement choices are 15 hours in either the afternoon or morning, or 30 hours. That distinction matters when deciding which attendance pattern fits family life.

September, April and January are the three nursery intake points. To request consideration for a place, contact the school office for a registration form. Completed forms can be returned in person or emailed to admin@ellington.northumberland.sch.uk.

Visits to the school can be arranged through the office on 01670 860769. An appointment gives families an opportunity to discuss nursery registration and the placement choices before applying.