Lemington Riverside Primary School Nursery

A book of the week, daily Forest School and an outdoor learning garden give Lemington Riverside’s nursery its character. Children learn in a refurbished Early Years building within the primary school, with stories and outdoor exploration shaping their learning.

The September 2026 intake had 21 places for children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023. The nursery operates under the school’s registration. Ofsted’s report dated 23 June 2026 evaluated early years at Expected standard, a judgement covering the school’s early years provision rather than a separate nursery rating.

Stories provide the starting point. A book of the week connects activities with visitors, trips and other experiences, while topics can shift to reflect children’s interests. This gives families a useful picture of the curriculum: shared stories lead into practical exploration, rather than learning staying on the page.

The Early Years Foundation Stage develops children’s skills across different areas of learning. Here, Birth to 5 Matters guides planning, Read, Write, Inc introduces literacy through nursery rhymes and sound work, and Early Years Number Sense supports early mathematics. Communication receives close attention. Adult conversations help children build language, while teaching develops their understanding of numbers and early reading.

Daily Forest School adds another strand. Within early years, bug hotels encourage investigation, seasonal community walks develop awareness of nature, and a see-saw, ropes and bikes give children opportunities to develop movement skills. Outdoor learning therefore has specific purposes: asking questions, talking about discoveries and practising physical control.

A Hygge approach is being developed, with calm and warmth as its aims. It is a work in progress. The school-wide improvement priorities include embedding teaching developments to secure basic skills across all phases, making wider-curriculum assessment more consistent and improving attendance.

Attendance can build towards the nursery’s 30 hours gradually, depending on a child’s readiness. That matters for children adjusting to time away from home. Preparation advice focuses on manageable everyday tasks, including putting on coats, using cutlery and communicating needs through speech, gestures or signs.

Toileting is approached with families. Children should be starting to manage it independently, but accidents are recognised; families experiencing difficulties can develop a plan with the team before starting. Early years staff identify SEND promptly, adapt teaching and make changes to the environment in consultation with parents. The nursery teaching role also includes Early Years SENDCo and deputy safeguarding responsibilities.

Lunch takes place in the Riverside Restaurant, where soundproofing helps reduce noise for children sensitive to busy surroundings. Choices include a vegetarian hot meal, baked potatoes, sandwiches and a salad bar, with dietary requirements catered for. Nursery meals are charged; families should refer to the school for current charges.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Newcastle City Council, including those whose children already attend Lemington Riverside’s nursery. An online application route is provided, and the school office can supply a paper form.

Treat this as a separate family task alongside nursery life: attending the nursery does not replace the Reception application. For the September 2027 intake, the school directs parents through that council process.

All nursery children are offered 30 hours of education, with a gradual build-up where needed. Classrooms open at 8:45am, children should be in class by 9:00am, and nursery collection is at 3:15pm from the Nursery door.

Riverside Wraparound runs during term time, Monday to Friday, with care before school from 7:45am and after school until 6:00pm. School staff with full qualifications run it in the Main School Building; collection and drop-off use the Sugley Street entrance. Book through the office at least 24 hours ahead, pay in advance and complete a registration form.

Nursery tours can be arranged by calling 0191 267 4315 or emailing admin@lemingtonriverside.newcastle.sch.uk. Uniform includes a blue jumper or cardigan, a white or light blue shirt, grey or black bottoms and black footwear. Plain blue tops are accepted, and every child receives a free uniform bundle each September or when joining.