Zetland Primary School Nursery Review

A morning session or a longer nursery day gives Zetland families two distinct ways to organise the preschool week. This is the nursery class within Zetland Primary School on Redcar Lane, Redcar, for three- and four-year-olds. Its admission limit is 26 places, although numbers may rise above that at some points in the year.

Children can start shortly after turning three, subject to the school's discretion and an available place. Funded eligibility begins the following term. Those are separate milestones, so a third birthday does not automatically mark the start of funded attendance.

The Early Years Foundation Stage links learning with children's physical, social and emotional development. At Zetland, early reading begins with stories, singing and nursery rhymes: in November 2024, Ofsted identified these as children's introduction to reading in the early years. The emphasis gives young children ways to encounter language before formal reading takes over.

Outdoor learning has a defined space. The foundation stage has an outdoor area with a soft surface, giving early years children somewhere beyond the classroom for activity. Indoors, interactive whiteboards are fitted throughout the classrooms.

The two session patterns have different collection points. Morning children leave before midday; the longer provision continues into the afternoon. That distinction matters when fitting nursery around family routines.

Settling starts with a conversation about the individual child. Before entry, families complete a questionnaire and have an individual meeting covering development, interests and medical needs. Children and parents also have an opportunity to look around together. Intake can be gradual where a child's circumstances call for it, rather than requiring every new starter to begin in the same way.

Emotions have a shared vocabulary here. Nursery children use the 5 Point Scale, which appears around school and on staff lanyards, to communicate how they feel and when they need help. Wellbeing Toolkits in classrooms contain activities such as bubbles, play dough and Lego. The school uses these to help children settle their emotions and return to learning.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities, support can include adapted teaching and individual or group work. Parents of children identified with SEND have termly discussions with the class teacher about progress and next steps. The school building is on a single level, with ramps where needed at particular fire exits and two accessible toilets. These are practical features for families considering physical access.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Redcar and Cleveland local authority by the normal deadline. For the 2026/27 admissions cycle, nursery attendance carries no oversubscription priority. Choosing the nursery therefore remains a decision about the preschool years, with school entry handled separately.

For children with SEND moving between classes, information is passed to the next teacher beforehand. Visits to the new classroom can take place during the summer term where possible, with extra visits arranged if needed. Familiarisation and admission are separate matters.

Morning nursery starts between 8.40am and 8.50am, with collection between 11.35am and 11.40am. The 30 Hours Provision runs from 8.40am to 2.40pm; paid extra cover extends collection to 3.25pm. Contact the school for current charges.

The usual funded offer is 15 hours a week, with 30 hours potentially available to eligible parents depending on staffing and pupil numbers. Requests for a different pattern are considered individually. The standard entitlement covers 570 hours across at least 38 weeks.

To enquire or arrange a nursery visit, contact the office on 01642 484595 or office@zetland.org.uk. Registration details must be kept up to date so staff can contact families.