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Nursery at Percy Hedley 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning to communicate a choice is a substantial achievement here. Percy Hedley School’s nursery sits within a special school in Killingworth whose provision starts at age three, with an early years unit serving younger children with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
At the December 2024 inspection, Ofsted described the early years unit as giving children an excellent beginning. The detail behind that assessment matters: communication takes different forms, and early reading begins with stories and sounds rather than a single expectation of what every child should do.
Communication is a practical part of learning. In December 2024, children in early years were developing confidence with different ways of communicating. Signing and visual symbols are among the school’s approaches, alongside pictures; pupils with more profound needs can use technology controlled through eye movement to make choices. These methods give children ways to convey feelings and preferences, including when speech is difficult.
Stories, poems and rhymes feature in early years learning. Reading preparation follows readiness: adults help pupils notice and respond to sounds before introducing adapted, structured phonics when appropriate. For parents, the useful distinction is between introducing children to language and expecting them to be ready for formal reading instruction.
Children’s interests also shape their learning. Across the school, the team explores what each child enjoys and incorporates those interests alongside the development targets in their individual plan. That connects learning with something personally meaningful.
Separately, MOVErs & Explorers is the school’s free preschool support group. Its sensory play uses Movement Opportunities Via Education and involves parents in developing communication, physical, social and cognitive skills. This is a distinct support group, rather than a description of the nursery timetable.
Settling support includes a Family Liaison Officer, available as children join the school and throughout their education. Families also take part in regular discussions, with home-school diaries and annual reviews among the school’s communication arrangements. These provide ways to share information between home and the team supporting a child.
The school team works with the targets in each child’s Education and Healthcare Plan. Its staffing structure includes leads for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, bringing those professional disciplines into the wider school team.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should discuss the next placement and any application requirements with the school and local authority. Treat choosing nursery and arranging the next placement as separate decisions.
For this special school, referrals involve sharing the child’s current EHC Plan so the admissions team can consider their needs. A nursery place should therefore never be treated as assurance of the next placement.
The school’s admissions page accepts referrals from parents or family members, as well as local authorities and organisations supporting a child. After a referral, the team discusses the appropriate next step, which may involve a school visit or observing the child in their existing setting. Visits depend on that discussion.
Use the referral form on Percy Hedley School’s admissions page, or telephone 0191 2161811 to contact the school.
Communication and early reading are clear features. The December 2024 inspection described early years children learning different ways to communicate and experiencing stories, poems and rhymes.
A Family Liaison Officer supports families as their child settles into school and during their education.
The school uses regular discussions, home-school diaries and annual reviews to involve families in their child’s education.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place. Discuss the next placement and any application requirements with the school and local authority.
Parents or family members can submit a referral through the school’s admissions page. The team requests the child’s current EHC Plan and discusses appropriate next steps.
