Simonside Primary School Nursery Review

Full days feature even in the 15-hour pattern at Simonside: two longer sessions sit alongside a shorter morning. That makes the weekly shape worth considering before choosing a place. The nursery is integrated into Simonside Primary School, with its own nursery teacher within the Early Years Foundation team.

For families seeking a start within a school setting, that integration is the defining feature. Simonside describes its early years curriculum as preparation for children's next stages of learning and for experiences beyond school.

The 30-hour provision runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm. For children attending 15 hours, Group 1 combines Monday and Tuesday, 9:00am to 3:00pm, with Wednesday, 8:45am to 11:45am. Group 2 combines Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00pm, with Friday, 8:45am to 11:45am. These are distinct weekly patterns, rather than a timetable made entirely of short mornings.

Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children build vocabulary and early number skills through conversation and mathematical exploration. Maths has its own teaching time and also appears across the early years curriculum, giving children practice with numbers in everyday situations. Simonside's curriculum aims include children's physical development, emotional wellbeing and a positive attitude to learning. The school also aims to give children suitable support and challenge so they can take part in learning.

At home, the school's suggestions for ages 3 and 4 make early maths concrete: count objects while touching each one, distribute pretend cakes among soft toys, and rearrange buttons before counting them again. Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Very Hungry Caterpillar are suggested stories for exploring numbers. These give parents practical ways to connect counting with play and reading.

School support includes a qualified Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), alongside work with outside professionals. Simonside describes inclusion as supporting children's personal, social, emotional and academic development. For a nursery family, the SENCO provides a school contact for discussing additional needs.

A school-based Pupil Support Advisor supports both families and children. The role covers parenting, behaviour, attendance and emotional wellbeing, with signposting to agencies for housing advice, family learning and other support. Families can make contact by calling into school or telephoning 0191 286 0776. This provides a route for discussing pressures beyond classroom learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Newcastle City Council's school-place application route. The Family Information Service can also be contacted on 0191 277 4133. Treat that application as a separate step from joining nursery.

Request a nursery application form from the school office. Visits can be arranged through the same team, giving families an opportunity to meet staff and look around the setting before applying. Private school tours are available on request; telephone 0191 286 0776 to arrange one.

The nursery's 15-hour groups have different attendance days and a shorter final session. Match the whole pattern, including that earlier collection, to your family's weekly routine.