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Nursery at Holystone 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Speech, listening and early number learning give Holystone’s nursery its educational character. This is the school’s own provision for children aged three, with 52 part-time places split between morning and afternoon groups of 26. The usual start is September after a child’s third birthday. Families choose one session rather than combining both nursery sessions into a full day.
Ofsted’s inspection on 16 and 17 November 2023 graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides the curriculum. In parent terms, learning builds children’s knowledge and skills through connected activities rather than a timetable of separate subjects. Independence has a practical place in that approach: children are encouraged to try their own solutions, work with other children and learn alongside adults.
In November 2023, early years teaching followed a carefully ordered plan, with staff giving close attention to activities and their purpose. Language development received deliberate attention, helping children become more capable speakers and listeners. Numbers were also woven into the learning environment. These are useful foundations for a child learning to express an idea, understand an instruction or explore quantity.
The Nest provides a space with fewer distractions within EYFS, giving children who need it an alternative to busier surroundings. For families using Holystone Out of School Club alongside nursery, the club adds a distinct pattern of play. Children choose resources under the Playwork Principles, including construction, dressing up and craft. Its portacabins contain a quiet room and playroom, with a garden and outdoor playhouse outside. Those facilities belong to the club provision.
Additional needs are addressed through the school’s cycle of assessing, planning, putting support into practice and reviewing it. Parents contribute to decisions, and School Support Plans record individual targets and strategies. The school’s support network includes Speech and Language Therapy and the Early Years Communication Outreach Team, providing routes to specialist advice where needed.
For children attending the club, settling includes an opportunity to visit beforehand and an introduction to staff and routines during the first session. A child buddy usually helps over the opening sessions. Club snacks include vegetables and fresh fruit, drinking water remains accessible, and dietary needs and family preferences are accommodated where possible. Children are encouraged to prepare snacks and tidy afterwards, linking care routines with independence.
A nursery place brings no Reception priority. Holystone’s nursery admissions policy explicitly separates the two decisions. Attendance does not guarantee a place, so families must make a separate Reception application through North Tyneside’s admissions process and meet the deadline in its Essential Guide.
Transition support is a separate matter. Under the school’s SEND policy, children spend time with their next teachers and in their next classrooms before the school year ends. Parents can meet the new teachers, while support plans continue with the child through school. This helps carry information about a child’s needs forward; it does not change admission rights.
Universal funded nursery hours run from 8:30am to 11:30am or from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Eligible families can access the additional 15 funded hours through the on-site Out of School Club. Its working parent entitlement provision generally runs between 8:30am and 3:30pm; earlier or later care uses breakfast or after-school sessions. Club provision also includes options across 50 weeks, which should be distinguished from the nursery sessions.
Apply directly to the school for nursery and flag any interest in the additional funded provision. The office can arrange a school tour on 0191 9170004. For current charges, contact the school. Uniform includes a sky blue polo shirt and dark blue sweatshirt or cardigan; nursery children may wear navy jogging bottoms.
The usual intake is September after a child’s third birthday. The nursery policy also allows a possible January intake, subject to capacity and an operational decision, for children who are three by the preceding 31 December.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon sessions from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Places are offered for morning only or afternoon only.
Yes. The school offers the additional 15 funded hours in partnership with its on-site Out of School Club. Express interest when applying for nursery.
No. It gives neither priority nor a guaranteed place. A separate application goes through North Tyneside’s admissions process.
Start with the child’s class teacher, who can arrange further discussion with the Special Educational Needs Team. Parents take part in planning and reviewing support.
