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Nursery at Benton Park Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 learning happens every day at Benton Park’s nursery, with the Nursery garden and woodland area both part of children’s experience. Messy clothes and waterproofs belong here. This is the school’s own nursery class, admitting children in September following their third birthday, with two attendance groups accommodating up to 26 children each.
At the Ofsted inspection on 8 and 9 April 2025, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Two blocks shape the week: Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon followed by Thursday and Friday. Full days last from 8.45am to 3.15pm, with lunch between 11.30am and 12.30pm. Children therefore have a mix of full days and a shorter Wednesday session within either standard pattern.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, relationships, movement and early literacy and mathematics, alongside exploring the world and creative work. Benton Park has EYFS curriculum roadmaps for subjects including Music and Art & Design. Daily early years phonics uses Floppy’s Phonics, linking sounds and letters while developing vocabulary. In April 2025, the early years curriculum had clear sequencing and purposeful activities; familiar routines helped children revisit learning.
The outdoor spaces give that learning a physical setting. Within the woodland are a pond, a circle of tree stumps and a shelter beneath a tarp, with opportunities for den building, conversation and exploring nature. Nursery children work outdoors daily, so clothing needs to allow for weather and mess.
Adult interaction. In April 2025, adults’ questioning and language examples did not consistently stretch children’s understanding. Improving these exchanges was an early years improvement action, relevant to how much children gain from otherwise purposeful activities.
A key worker provides each child’s main personal contact, someone families can approach with concerns, achievements or information from home. Children begin in small groups so staff and children can become familiar with one another. Settling arrangements allow extra time for children who need it.
Tapestry gives parents access to an individual online learning journey recording progress and achievements. Families can also contribute news from home, making communication a two-way exchange. At lunchtime, Nursery staff look after the children. Families can choose a packed lunch or school dinner, and children choosing dinner select from three or four options each day.
For additional needs, the school’s SEND coordinator can be contacted through the office. Collection arrangements require an adult already known to staff, and families must tell the team about a change of collector. The nursery also asks parents to share dietary requirements, medication and illness information, so staff have the details needed for everyday care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; Benton Park follows Newcastle City Council’s Reception admissions policy. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions, even though both provisions belong to the same school.
Wednesday morning runs from 8.45am to 11.30am; the afternoon session lasts from 12.30pm to 3.15pm. The nursery has also offered 30-hour places to children with the relevant entitlement. Nursery enquiries go to the school office, which handles the nursery waiting list and application form.
Uniform is optional. Practical clothes matter more: easy removal for toileting, shoes with Velcro fastenings and clothes suitable for messy activities. Children need a water bottle, a warm coat and waterproof clothing, with wellies kept at school for woodland work. Belongings should be labelled. There is no parking on the school site.
Benton Buttons provides care before and after school during term time. Its dedicated club page gives a 7.30am breakfast-club start and collection before 5.55pm after school. Sessions are reserved through School Gateway, with advance booking and payment, up to four weeks ahead; allocation follows booking order. Contact the office for current charges. Nursery enquiries can be made on 0191 266 5122 or by emailing office@bentonparkprimary.co.uk.
Children can start in September after turning three. Each of the two attendance groups accommodates up to 26 children.
Full days run from 8.45am to 3.15pm. Wednesday sessions are 8.45am to 11.30am or 12.30pm to 3.15pm.
Children start in small groups, with flexibility for those needing more settling time. Each child has a key worker.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process. Benton Park follows Newcastle City Council’s Reception admissions policy.
Uniform is optional. Children need practical clothes for toileting and messy activities, Velcro shoes, a water bottle and suitable outdoor clothing, including wellies and waterproofs.
