St Giles' and St George's Academy Nursery Review

Little Explorers gives two-year-olds their own room, while the Nursery provision serves children aged 3–4. These are two distinct starting points within St Giles' and St George's Church of England Academy in Newcastle, with communication and growing independence running through the early years curriculum.

Children aged 2–3 attend Little Explorers. Qualified teachers and early years practitioners lead the provision, with teaching assistants and apprentices supporting them. The setting sits within a Church of England school whose curriculum draws on Christian values. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 March 2023; that judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play, practical exploration and teaching led by adults share the day. Children learn both indoors and outdoors, with small-group work alongside opportunities to investigate and make choices. The school aims to build independence through activities that involve solving problems and working together, giving children practice in doing things for themselves and alongside others.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings seven learning areas together. Nursery gives particular attention to language, physical development, and children's social and emotional skills. Alongside these foundations, children explore maths, literacy, creative expression and the world around them. In parent terms, learning includes how to communicate, manage relationships and use the body as well as developing knowledge.

Wellcomm gives language learning a named place in Nursery. Sessions happen through play provision or during Snack and Social, so communication practice connects with everyday activity. Early Communication Screening (ECS) helps identify speech or language needs; children may then receive Time to Talk, an intervention developed by speech and language specialists.

In March 2023, Nursery children began early reading by recognising starting sounds, then matching rhyming words when ready. Phonics began in Nursery. Across early years, adults supported independent learning and confident speech, while children collaborated successfully. A visit to a local farm gave learning a concrete setting beyond the classroom.

Settling starts with opportunities to become familiar with the school. New children are encouraged to visit before starting, with extra visits encouraged for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Little Explorers held stay-and-play sessions on 3 and 4 September 2026, allowing families to share that first stage of familiarisation.

For additional support, the class teacher is the first contact, with referral to the SEND coordinator where appropriate. The school's support process uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review. Parents and staff discuss these plans on at least three occasions each year. Teaching can be adapted, and support may include specialist resources or additional adult help. This gives families a process for discussing needs and revisiting the support their child receives.

Class Dojo connects home with learning. EYFS homework is set on Fridays for return by the following Friday, and suitable paper copies can be requested. Families are also encouraged to read with their child at least three times a week, making shared books part of the home routine.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Staffordshire's local authority administers Reception admissions.

Transition support is a separate matter. Summer-term sessions introduce children to their next teacher and learning space. Staff pass information to the new teacher beforehand and hold a planning handover, including sharing additional-support plans. Familiarity and continuity of care help prepare a child for a move; they do not secure admission.

Contact the school office on 01782 917640 or email office@stgg.org.uk for nursery enquiries. Parents can arrange a school visit through the office, including a look around and a conversation with a senior leader. This provides a direct way to explore the setting before applying.

For government-funded childcare, families can check eligibility and apply through the government's childcare service. Nursery applications use a nursery admissions form, separately from the Reception process.