Badger Hill Academy Nursery Review

Treasure maps turn positional language into a hunt, while The Rainbow Fish inspires painting and playdough work. Badger Hill Academy’s nursery combines stories with practical activity, giving children reasons to talk, make and experiment.

The school’s early years provision includes two-year-olds alongside a nursery class for children aged three and four. It forms part of Badger Hill Academy on Marston Road, Saltburn-by-the-Sea. At the Ofsted inspection on 17 and 18 November 2022, early years provision received a Good judgement. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play chosen by children sits alongside activities directed by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning across seven areas, bringing communication, physical development and relationships together with early literacy, mathematics and exploration of the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond a single taught activity: conversation and practical investigation have a place too.

Phase One phonics begins in nursery, using conversation, poems, songs and stories to develop listening and speech. Children practise hearing sounds before formal reading develops. Essential Letters and Sounds is the academy’s phonics programme; nursery reading also includes daily stories and Reading Routes, whose early years strand is Little Land. Books remain within children’s reach during play, so choosing a story is part of the session.

The water area, playdough area and sensory area give that approach physical substance. In a pirate topic, nursery children used maps to practise words including behind and under, built planks for toy pirates and blended watercolours for sea pictures. Two-year-olds explored fish hidden in blue jelly, made tissue-paper pictures and stepped through water in an outdoor tuff tray. These activities connect vocabulary with something children can touch or do. Mathematics follows a mastery approach: children explore a concept, practise it and apply it in different ways.

In November 2022, early years staff supported children’s independence through caring interactions, with sound games and shared stories illustrating their teaching. Parent involvement has several routes: stay-and-play sessions, curriculum workshops and consultations. Tapestry lets families see activities and progress, then contribute examples of learning at home. That gives staff and parents material for a two-way conversation.

Additional needs are supported through individual learning plans informed by assessment, professional advice and parents’ contributions. Depending on need, help may involve Portage, an Educational Psychologist or Speech and Language Therapy. Families can arrange contact with the SEND coordinator through the office. The EYFS lead also holds a deputy safeguarding role, linking early years leadership with the school’s safeguarding team.

School meals are optional for nursery children. Children taking a school dinner can choose a cold or hot meal, with help to assemble a balanced plate. Packed lunches should exclude nut products, sweets and fizzy drinks.

Communication. In November 2022, a small group of parents across the school raised concerns that included communication, and leaders were asked to respond to concerns more promptly. Families should agree how to raise an issue and how a response will reach them.

Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. For entry in the 2026–27 academic year, the closing date was 15 January 2026; that cycle’s deadline has passed.

Preparation and admission are separate matters. The academy uses Starting Reception guidance to help families consider children’s physical, emotional, social and personal readiness for school. This supports preparation, rather than securing a place.

Morning nursery runs from 08:30 to 11:30, with collection beginning at 11:25. The afternoon session starts at 12:05 and ends at 15:05. The 30 Hours Session also finishes at 15:05. Morning doors close at 08:50.

The nursery offers 15 funded hours and 30 funded hours with a code. Additional nursery hours carry a charge; lunchtime supervision carries none. Contact the academy for current charges. Nursery children can use Breakfast Club and After-school Club, booked through ParentPay or the office at least 24 hours ahead. The latter includes a snack and drink.

Uniform includes a red cardigan, jumper or sweatshirt, with the logo optional, plus grey or black bottoms and a white top. Pre-loved uniform is held at school. For enquiries or to arrange an academy tour, call 01287 676289.