Wheatlands Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, climbing and learning to do things independently give Wheatlands’ nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision on Hundale Crescent in Redcar, admitting children after they turn three when a place becomes available. Capacity is 78 places, divided between 39 morning places and 39 afternoon places.

A nursery teacher works with two teaching assistants, depending on numbers. The emphasis is on the foundations of learning: communicating, managing feelings, making friends and developing physical control.

Play gives the day its shape. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven learning areas, with nursery placing greatest emphasis on physical development, communication and children’s personal, emotional and social development. In parent language, that means learning to listen, express needs, get along with others and manage everyday tasks, alongside early reading, maths and creative exploration.

Children combine activities guided by adults with play they initiate themselves. Early Excellence principles shape the learning areas, using resources with several possible uses so children can pursue their interests. Water, clay, blocks and construction equipment provide practical ways to investigate materials and build ideas. Outdoors, the climbing frame and balancing beam give physical development something concrete to work on. Nursery forest school experiences are developing, alongside exploration of the grounds and surrounding area.

Language has several distinct strands. Phase 1 phonics develops listening and oral blending, while Talk Through Stories begins in children’s final nursery term, introducing vocabulary through stories. Books from the EYFS Reading Spine remain accessible for children to choose. Nursery children also take books home to enjoy with their families, connecting learning with time together.

Maths uses songs, games and objects children can handle, including practice in counting each item once. Visual timetables help children anticipate the session’s routine and changes. At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that nursery children developed secure communication and language skills, supporting their preparation for phonics.

Seesaw shares children’s learning with parents through an online journal. Busy Books capture tasks directed by adults, while Floor Books gather experiences for children to revisit and discuss. These give families and staff concrete starting points for conversations about learning.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), early years staff assess development and involve parents and the SEND coordinator in planning support when concerns warrant it. Continuing concerns can lead to assessment and advice from outside agencies. Children on the SEND register have conversations involving their parent and teacher each term to agree targets and identify help.

Fruit is provided to nursery children through the Government’s fruit scheme. Everyday independence is also a learning goal: putting on a coat, using the toilet with increasing independence and washing hands before eating or after toileting. Families should share medical information and keep emergency contact details up to date; regular medication requires the relevant forms.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The application arrangements described here involve a form sent by post and an application in the spring term before Reception starts; staff can help complete the form.

Familiarity is built separately from admission. Planned nursery visits include the Reception classroom, playground and a chance to eat lunch in the dining hall. Parents can meet the Reception team, see the teaching spaces and ask questions. Those experiences introduce the next stage’s people and routines; they do not secure a place.

Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the afternoon session lasts from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. These are three-hour sessions, so families need to plan around the relevant collection time.

Enquiries go to the school office on 01642 489784 or office@wheatlandsprimary.co.uk. Late arrivals should go to the main office for signing in. Walking is encouraged, and drivers are asked to avoid parking in the front lay-by. Uniform is encouraged rather than compulsory, and jewellery is prohibited.