Canning Street Primary School Nursery

Songs, storytelling and learning to talk together give Canning Street’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own early years provision on Wellfield Road in Newcastle upon Tyne, with a starting point that includes children aged two.

In September 2023, provision for two-year-olds accommodated up to 12 children in the afternoon. That figure belongs to the younger children’s provision, rather than the whole nursery. Ofsted’s September 2023 inspection described early years children as inquisitive and settled, with some choosing to work alone and others joining their peers. For parents, that gives a concrete picture of children participating in different ways.

Language has a clear place in the day. Early years staff build conversation into learning and make time for nursery rhymes and songs. Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), the activities described here bring together talking, playing with others and beginning to develop reading, writing and number skills. The youngest children practise listening and trying unfamiliar language together.

Stories become activities. In October 2022, nursery children heard The Three Little Pigs and acted it out. The following month, Goldilocks and the Three Bears led to a birthday celebration for Baby Bear, including cake decorating. These examples connect listening with pretend play and practical making, giving children something concrete to talk about.

A Chinese New Year activity recorded in March 2023 combined lantern making with a shared dragon built from boxes. Red paper and gold pens supplied the detail. Children could contribute to an individual creation and a group project within the same theme.

Outdoor learning also forms part of the school’s curriculum for all children. The school garden includes raised growing beds, benches, a shed and a sheltered area. Those physical features give outdoor activity a setting beyond an open playground.

New children entering EYFS receive a home visit. Where a child has additional needs, the SEND coordinator and Family Support Team contact relevant professionals. This creates an opportunity to discuss individual needs.

The school’s SEND arrangements include support plans developed with families and at least three review meetings each year. Interpreters can support parents during meetings. Medical care plans are agreed with parents, with school health involvement where needed, so care arrangements can reflect the child’s circumstances.

Food support includes the school’s breakfast offer, sponsored by Greggs: children can have fruit, brown toast or both each morning. This is a school-wide offer; it should not be confused with the younger children’s afternoon provision.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor brings admission priority. The 2027/2028 admission policy requires nursery families to make a separate Reception application through their home local authority. Newcastle families are encouraged to use the Citizen’s Portal. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is midday on 14 January 2027.

For children with SEND, transition planning involves parents and the sharing of support information through reviews. That preparation concerns continuity of care and learning. Reception admission remains a separate decision.

Contact the school office on 0191 2735465 or email admin@canning.newcastle.sch.uk for nursery enquiries. The school’s collection policy requires families to identify authorised adults when their child joins; another adult needs advance agreement through the office. This gives families a clear procedure when collection arrangements change.