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Nursery at Rowlands Gill Community Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Name-card signing, child-chosen play and an on-site Forest School give this nursery its character: children have a familiar session structure, with room to follow their interests indoors and outside. It serves three- and four-year-olds within Rowlands Gill Community Primary School, in a separate nursery class with a full-time teacher and higher level teaching assistant.
Education places are expressed as 52 on a 15-hour basis and 26 on a 30-hour basis. Children normally begin from the term following their third birthday, subject to places being available. At the Ofsted inspection on 14 and 15 June 2023, early years provision was graded Good.
A session begins with children making marks on their name cards, then joining their key worker for a small-group welcome. Counting, songs, conversation about the weather and sharing personal news bring language and early number work into an everyday routine. Children then decide where to play. Stories and a discussion of their experiences bring the session to a close.
Between those group times, children choose indoor or outdoor play while adults observe, join in and plan interactions around their next learning steps. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes this learning: play and adult-guided activities develop communication, early literacy, mathematics and independence. In June 2023, adults supported language development through effective interaction, and planned activities gave children opportunities to practise early reading, writing and number skills. The early-years curriculum still needed further refinement around children's starting points and the school's context.
Outdoor learning extends beyond the nursery's own play area. Children also use the Adventure trail, Eco garden and Forest School. In the natural surroundings, a plan, do, review approach encourages them to choose an activity, explore it and reflect afterwards. Dressing for outdoor activity and thinking about safety give independence a practical purpose. Nursery reading begins with songs, rhymes and stories, making spoken language part of the preparation for learning to read.
Each child has a key worker, giving small-group time a consistent adult connection. Before starting, families can attend stay-and-play visits during the preceding term and meet the teacher. These opportunities introduce the people and routines before regular attendance begins.
Teachers record children's achievements, welcome parents' contributions and discuss progress with families. A Home Learning Journey helps connect learning at home and nursery. Staff can talk at collection and drop-off, with appointments for longer conversations; the SEND coordinator is also available to discuss individual support needs.
Fruit is provided at break time. For sessions spanning lunch, families can choose a school meal or send a packed lunch. Staff support toilet training where needed; parents supply nappies, wipes and nappy bags if their child uses them. Children are encouraged to manage toileting and handwashing themselves, with help when they need it.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in the Reception allocation. Families must apply separately through their home local authority by the deadline for the relevant intake. Gateshead residents use the council's school admissions service; the September 2026 intake had a closing date of 15 January 2026.
Familiarity with school life is a separate benefit. Nursery children join celebrations and Christmas performances, and the teacher works with families on the move to Reception. These experiences support continuity, while the application remains a separate process.
Term-time provision covers 38 weeks. The universal entitlement is 15 hours weekly from the term after a child's third birthday, with up to 30 hours for eligible children. Morning sessions run 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run 12:15pm to 3:15pm.
Families can choose five mornings, five afternoons or either of two fixed two-and-a-half-day patterns. The 30-hour pattern combines Monday to Thursday full days with Friday morning. Five full days total 32.5 hours, with additional lunchtime cover charged. Extra sessions depend on availability, and requests to change attendance patterns require a full term's notice.
Additional charges. Care beyond funded provision is charged, and 30-hour funding cannot cover meals or additional activities such as trips. Ask the school for current charges. Funky Monkeys provides separate, chargeable wraparound care on site.
Arrange a nursery tour through the school office on 01207 549 359. Children are handed over and collected at the nursery entrance, with a password system for collection; tell staff about delays or changes to the collecting adult.
The nursery serves three- and four-year-olds. Children normally start from the term after their third birthday, subject to availability.
Children sign in with a name card, join their key worker for welcome activities, choose indoor or outdoor play, then finish with stories and discussion.
Families can meet the teacher and attend stay-and-play visits in the term before starting. Each child has a key worker.
For attendance patterns spanning lunch, a school meal is available for a charge, or parents can provide a packed lunch. Fruit is provided at break time.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority or guarantee. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority for the relevant intake.
