Thomas Walling Primary Academy Nursery

Ducklings hatching, djembe drums and a wildlife garden give Thomas Walling’s nursery its own character within the primary academy. There is capacity for 35 full-time pupils each academic year, with children able to join at two, three or four. Little Owls is the provision for two-year-olds.

Based on Lindfield Avenue in Blakelaw, the nursery combines classroom learning with outdoor space and experiences involving animals, plants and visitors from the community. These give children concrete things to explore and talk about, alongside their first steps in reading, writing and number.

Songs, small-group phonics and time to explore indoors and outside shape the sessions. Children register themselves, take part in maths and topic activities, and gather for stories. Adult-led learning sits alongside time to choose and explore activities, so the day has both a shared rhythm and room for individual interests.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical skills, emotions and relationships with literacy, maths, understanding the world and creative expression. In parent terms, counting games, climbing, making friends and drawing all belong to the learning. Topics change each term, with activities planned around children’s needs and interests.

Language has several named routes into the day. Talking through Stories develops vocabulary; Drawing Club and Scribble Club encourage an interest in writing. Daily sessions focus on a book, while weekly library time lets children borrow books to share at home. The ShREC model guides adult interactions, and children explore a song each day, including music from different cultures.

Outside, fixed play equipment supports active movement. Nature walks reach the wildlife garden, where children grow vegetables and flowers from seed. Forest School involves trained specialists, with fire-building and shared marshmallows among the experiences. Baking, science experiments and handling mini beasts or rock pool creatures add practical material for conversation and discovery.

In January 2025, Ofsted found that creative activities successfully encouraged early-years children to make marks. However, early writing teaching was inconsistent, including the choice of activities and resources, which affected letter formation and fluency. That makes the support children receive after becoming interested in writing an important consideration.

Handwashing and group snacks are part of the nursery routine. The morning includes breakfast, and children on the 30-hour pattern have lunch followed by outdoor activity. Regular baking and trying new foods give food a place in learning as well as care.

Zones of Regulation helps children discuss emotions. Parents can join Stay and Play sessions, including crafts and activities focused on particular learning areas. Seesaw gives school families a more individual picture of their child’s everyday experiences.

The team includes staff with Level 3 teaching assistant qualifications and an apprentice. Families can reach the school’s special educational needs coordinator through the office, providing a contact route for discussing additional needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Newcastle Council’s website. Applications open in September for entry the following September and close in January; offers follow in April. Keep this application separate from the nursery arrangements, even if your child already attends.

Little Owls and the nursery morning session run from 8:30am to 11:30am, Monday to Friday. Afternoon nursery runs from 12:15pm to 3:30pm on Monday to Thursday, finishing at 2:15pm on Friday. The 30-hour pattern covers full days Monday to Thursday and Friday morning. Friday therefore needs its own collection plan.

Drop-off is at the Sure Start entrance, with collection from the nursery beside Sure Start. Applications go directly to the school; completed forms are returned to main reception. Visits can be arranged on 0191 286 0333 or through admin@thomaswallingacademy.com.

Nursery uniform combines a royal blue sweatshirt and white polo with grey trousers or a skirt, or a blue-and-white checked dress. Little Owls has navy joggers as its trouser option. Nursery children who cannot manage laces or buckles themselves must have Velcro-fastened shoes, helping them handle footwear more independently.