Newcomen Primary School Nursery Review

Daily rhyme time gives Newcomen’s nursery its clearest character: children recite familiar verses, then talk them through with adults. Language comes first. This is the school’s own nursery on Trent Road in Redcar, with published morning and afternoon nursery sessions.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 19 and 20 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Rhyme time makes early reading preparation concrete. Children practise saying nursery rhymes and discussing them, giving them opportunities both to speak and to listen. The emphasis is on using language, with adult conversation extending the activity beyond simply remembering the words. For parents who value communication as a starting point for learning, this is a useful detail about the nursery’s daily routine.

Within early years, activities are adapted to children’s needs. In November 2024, children maintained their attention for sustained periods and interacted well with one another. They also followed the school’s routines successfully. These findings point to sessions in which joining in with others and staying with an activity are part of the learning experience.

Mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn from the early years onwards. That gives children a reason to try again when something proves difficult. Vocabulary and communication were also strengths in November 2024, helping children put their thoughts into words with confidence.

Circle time gives early years children a place to discuss their feelings. Learning about looking after themselves includes dental hygiene, bringing a concrete health habit into their education alongside emotional awareness. The practical implication is that personal development includes both talking about emotions and understanding everyday care.

For families considering support for special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school’s SEND coordinator is the contact for discussing what help Newcomen can offer. This provides a direct route for a conversation about an individual child’s needs. Parents are also asked to tell the school about changes at home that could affect learning or behaviour, and to update contact details promptly so communication can continue.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Reception place requests go to the Redcar and Cleveland Admissions Team, whereas nursery enquiries go through the nursery or school office. Treat these as two separate steps when planning your child’s next stage.

Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; the afternoon session starts at 12.15pm and finishes at 3.15pm. Those distinct collection times matter when coordinating work or another child’s school day.

Children can be added to the nursery waiting list through the nursery itself or the school office. Nursery admission normally applies to children living in the catchment area, with older children considered first. Visits to the school can be arranged by appointment.

Contact the office on 01642 484318 or email office@newcomen.rac.sch.uk to make an enquiry. For nursery absence lasting more than five consecutive days, the school requires medical proof. Keep that requirement in mind when managing a longer illness.