Slaley First School Nursery

Larch Class brings nursery and Reception together within Slaley First School. That shared class identity is the defining feature here: nursery belongs to the school's Foundation Stage Unit, rather than sitting apart from its youngest schoolchildren. For parents, the useful distinction is between being part of that class and having a future school place.

Respect, responsibility and resilience are the school's core values. Certificates recognise children's efforts in these areas, giving those broad ideas a concrete expression. The school describes an ethos built around inclusion, conversation and courtesy, with children encouraged to express opinions and staff expected to respond to their concerns.

Larch has a class teacher and a teaching assistant within the Foundation Stage Unit. This gives nursery a teaching structure linked to the school's early years provision. Larch Class children have also taken part in dressing up in costumes: a specific glimpse of class activity beyond the formal staffing arrangements.

The school aims to encourage curiosity, questions and a love of learning. Its ambition is for children to seek answers and solutions, so the emphasis extends beyond completing tasks to thinking about the world around them. These are the school's stated aims for its children.

In February 2024, curriculum learning progressed through manageable steps beginning in early years. For a parent, that places nursery within a continuing sequence of learning, rather than treating it as an isolated preliminary stage.

In February 2024, children in early years got along with other pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Friendship disagreements were uncommon, and staff helped pupils resolve them. This gives a concrete picture of social support around the youngest children.

A senior teacher holds the school's SEND coordinator role, while safeguarding responsibilities include a designated lead and deputies. Those are school-wide arrangements supporting the provision.

Listening and behaviour. In February 2024, some school lessons were disrupted by pupils interrupting others, affecting learning. The improvement action concerned consistent behaviour expectations across the school; it was not identified as a nursery-specific finding. Families should keep that distinction in mind.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate Reception application through the normal process, by the normal deadline. The application route is Northumberland County Council's School Admissions department.

Sharing the Larch Class identity with Reception is an organisational connection, not an admissions entitlement. Choose nursery for the provision itself, and treat the Reception application as a separate decision and task.

Visits can be arranged with the school. For nursery enquiries or to arrange a visit, telephone 01434 673220 or email admin@slaley.northumberland.sch.uk.

If a child is absent, families should contact school by 9am. Following sickness or diarrhoea, children must stay away for 48 hours after the last episode. These school-wide routines matter when planning care and deciding when a child can return.