Prudhoe Castle First School Nursery Review

Little Castle gives two-year-olds their own starting point within Prudhoe Castle First School, alongside nursery provision for children aged three and four. Confidence and familiar routines are central to the youngest children’s experience. In March 2025, children in Little Castle gained confidence quickly and became familiar with the routines, a useful foundation for spending time away from home.

The school’s early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 March 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Conversation gives the learning its character. In March 2025, planned early years activities developed children’s vocabulary and communication, with children talking with adults and one another during learning. Children also sustained their attention. For parents, the emphasis is on learning to express ideas and engage with an activity, as well as becoming comfortable in a group.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for this age group. In plain language, it brings together learning about numbers, early reading and writing, creativity and the surrounding world with physical development, communication and social development. These are connected parts of early learning rather than a timetable of school subjects.

Early reading has a place too. In March 2025, the youngest children were learning most of their letter sounds. Alongside the emphasis on vocabulary, this gives children foundations for the next stage of learning.

Settling was a positive feature of early years in March 2025: children became comfortable quickly and picked up routines. Communication between staff and families was also effective. Together, those findings give parents reassurance about the move into nursery and the relationship between home and the early years team.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school draws on observations from parents and teachers, children’s own perspectives and information from health services when assessing needs. Support is reviewed with parents and relevant professionals. The school aims to give children individual learning plans with clear targets, so families can take part in discussing what their child is working towards.

Fruit is provided for snacks. School meals carry an additional charge, and milk can be ordered through Cool Milk. Families should factor those arrangements into their choice of session and ask the school for current charges.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must apply separately through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. The application route is Northumberland County Council’s online portal, or the home local authority for families living outside Northumberland.

For the past 2025/26 consultation cycle, the proposed Reception criteria did not include nursery attendance as a priority. Keep the application separate from the decision to use the nursery. The school’s support for changes between year groups may include visits, discussions with parents, outside support and progress records; these are transition arrangements, not an admissions advantage.

Morning sessions run from 08:50 to 11:50, and afternoon sessions from 12:00 to 15:00, for both Little Castle and the three- and four-year-old nursery provision. An all-day option is also offered. This gives families a choice between shorter sessions and a longer nursery day.

Contact the school office on 01661 833 122 to register interest. Prospective parents can also arrange a school tour through the office. Paid nursery hours are charged through MCAS at the start of each term; payment can be made through the app or childcare vouchers. Outstanding fees must be cleared by term end to retain additional hours for the following term.