Bridgewater Primary School Nursery

Hedgehogs and Squirrels tackle questions about travel, identity and healthy bodies: Bridgewater’s nursery gives its learning a recognisable theme. These named nursery groups sit within Bridgewater Primary School, with provision that connects to the separately inspected childcare for younger children on the same site.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 11 and 12 February 2025. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Enquiry Based Learning supplies the nursery with questions to explore. In spring 2026, the theme was travel; autumn 2025 focused on similarities and differences between people, while summer 2025 considered keeping bodies healthy. These are concrete starting points for talking about children’s experiences and the world around them. Both Hedgehogs and Squirrels have class documents linked to these enquiries.

Language runs through the learning. In February 2025, adults used their interactions with children to build early communication skills, making conversation part of everyday learning rather than a separate exercise. Indoor spaces and the outdoor learning environment contained resources supporting learning across the curriculum. Children therefore had opportunities to develop their understanding in both settings.

The connection with the linked younger-child provision also mattered: the early years curriculum continued coherently from that earlier experience. For children making that move, learning built on what came before.

Support for behaviour starts in early years. In February 2025, expectations were high, and children needing help to regulate their behaviour received individual care and guidance. This gives the nursery day a clear social purpose alongside its learning: children are supported to manage how they act and respond to others.

Bridgewater also has an early years assessment unit for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). At the February 2025 inspection, this additionally resourced provision could accommodate up to eight pupils. It is a distinct support provision, rather than the capacity of the nursery itself.

Health routines include identifying allergies at registration and procedures for giving medication or supporting a child who becomes unwell. Families can raise SEND enquiries through the school’s SEND coordinator. Food has a physical setting too: the Early Years dining hall has a mural. Across the school, meals use a rotating three-week menu, giving families a menu cycle to consult.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions; belonging to Hedgehogs or Squirrels does not itself secure the next place.

For general enquiries, contact the school office on 0191 274 5290 or email admin@bridgewater.newcastle.sch.uk. There is also an online enquiry form.

Bridgewater’s contact arrangements include practical help for visits: accessible parking bays provide access to the main entrance, and the reception desk has an induction loop. Tell the school about access requirements before visiting so these can be considered. The school office also handles enquiries about the availability and sizes of second-hand school uniform.