West Walker Primary School Nursery

Play and conversation give West Walker’s nursery its character. Children’s interests help shape the learning, with adult-led activities alongside time to explore. The provision sits within West Walker Primary School in Walker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, so children become familiar with a school setting during their early years.

Funded places are offered to eligible three- and four-year-olds, and the school also has provision for two-year-olds. Nursery intake happens each term, giving families more than one starting point across the year. Classrooms with learning resources and equipped play areas provide the physical setting for that exploration.

Children’s play supplies the starting point for learning. The early years curriculum combines topics with children’s own interests, while adults introduce planned tasks. For parents, that means exploration and adult guidance both have a place: children can pursue something that catches their attention, then take part in an activity chosen to extend their learning.

Language is a clear thread. At the inspection on 3 and 4 June 2025, early years children talked enthusiastically about sandcastle building and how butterflies develop; adults listened carefully during play and introduced vocabulary to extend their understanding. Those examples show how practical experiences become opportunities to explain, describe and ask questions.

Early reading grows alongside that talk. In June 2025, children in the early years had plentiful opportunities to explore letter sounds and were using them to write straightforward words correctly. Stories also feature from the school’s two-year-old provision onwards. The emphasis is on giving young children things to talk about and the language to express themselves.

An Early Years Lead forms part of the staffing structure. Families can take part in the PEEPs project for early years parents, while Class Dojo supports communication between home and school. Its translation facility allows messages to reach families in community languages, making that contact more accessible.

For children needing additional help, parents can contact the SENCo through the school office. Concerns are discussed with families and teaching staff, with school-based strategies reviewed and specialist involvement considered where needed. SEN Support Plans bring together contributions from parents, children and staff, giving families a role in deciding the support rather than simply receiving it.

Communication support includes Makaton, which pairs speech with signs and visual symbols across the school. Early years staff have also received training from an educational psychologist and worked with a speech and language therapist. These are relevant strands for children who need help expressing themselves or understanding language.

Lunch follows a rotating menu over three weeks, with a main dish and pudding. Children attending nursery for a full day may qualify for free school meals if their family receives certain benefits. Kitchen staff also accommodate religious dietary requirements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application to Newcastle City Council, using the council’s school application form and meeting its Reception deadline.

Being on the school site helps children become accustomed to school life. That familiarity is useful preparation for the next stage, but it remains separate from the allocation of a Reception place.

Applications for nursery and playgroup go directly to the school. Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access funded early education; families complete the council’s parent declaration and return it to the school.

To enquire or arrange a nursery visit, call 0191 262 4130. The school office can also be reached at westwalker.admin@neat.org.uk. Visits offer families a practical opportunity to discuss their child’s needs before applying. Refer to the school for current charges.