Shiremoor Primary School Nursery Review

Woodlands Wednesday brought nature into nursery learning at Shiremoor: Ofsted recorded children exploring the natural world through this activity in November 2023. This is the school’s own nursery provision, with an admission number of 52 part-time pupils. Its funded sessions cater for children aged three, and the school also has a funded nursery for two-year-olds.

Ofsted rated early years provision Good following the inspection on 29 and 30 November 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Speaking and listening are central to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum here. Early reading, phonics and mathematics sit alongside communication, creativity and play. For parents, that means the learning focus extends beyond letters and numbers to children expressing ideas and understanding others.

The named ambitions give this approach some character. Storytelling is linked to vocabulary and sharing ideas; art brings imagination into learning. Children are encouraged to think as inventors and explore as outdoor enthusiasts, while the chefs theme connects learning with practical experiences. These are curriculum strands, rather than a promise that each activity happens in every session.

Ofsted recorded Woodlands Wednesday as an opportunity for nursery children to investigate nature in November 2023. In November 2023, adults selected learning materials to suit children’s needs, and the early years environment supported an ambitious curriculum.

Language consistency. At that inspection, opportunities for conversation varied between early years classes. Some children received less developed language experiences than others. The improvement required was more carefully planned language activity across early years. For families, the important distinction is between having communication as a curriculum priority and delivering it consistently throughout a child’s session.

Learning how to behave begins in the nursery’s first days. In November 2023, positive learning habits were taught from the outset, making routines part of children’s introduction to school life.

For children staying all day, lunch can be a charged school meal or a packed lunch brought from home. That gives families a choice when combining sessions.

Additional needs have a clear contact route through the SENCo. Families concerned that their child needs more support than mainstream nursery provision can provide are advised to speak early with their Health Visitor or the school SENCo, so that advice about suitable support can begin promptly.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process. The school follows North Tyneside Council’s admissions policy, and applications can be made through the council’s school admissions website. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

The funded offer for children aged three is 15 hours. Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, with afternoon sessions from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Additional paid morning and afternoon sessions allow families to extend attendance. Children using their early years entitlement are not charged for consumables.

Breakfast Club accepts nursery children, carries a charge and requires arrival at 8.00am. Goodtime Childcare provides after-school care until 5.45pm; arrangements are made directly with that provider. Contact the school for current charges for additional sessions, breakfast care and school meals.

Morning nursery uses the yard for drop-off and the main office for collection. Afternoon children use the Bungalow double gate at drop-off and are collected from their classroom. Enrolment enquiries go through the school office, which can be reached on 0191 252 4188 or at parents@shiremoor-primary.co.uk.