Saltburn Primary School Nursery Review

Indoor and outdoor EYFS provision gives Saltburn’s nursery its own learning space within Saltburn Learning Campus. There are 78 nursery places, split into 39 morning and 39 afternoon places. The provision serves three- and four-year-olds at Saltburn Primary School on Marske Mill Lane, Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Families can choose a shorter session or, subject to funding eligibility, the 30-hour offer introduced in September 2025. That makes the length of the day a practical part of the choice, alongside the learning itself.

Making, talking and experimenting are concrete parts of early learning here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning into seven areas rather than separate school subjects. Within that framework, children have materials available for their own creations, learn to handle scissors and other tools, and discuss their plans and finished work. The process gives them opportunities to practise both practical skills and explaining their ideas.

Technology also appears in nursery play through activities children choose and tasks adults direct. Home role-play can include cameras and telephones, connecting digital devices with familiar situations. These are examples of technology woven into play, rather than a separate computing lesson.

In June 2023, Ofsted found that early-years learning was sequenced through clear steps, with nursery counting and number recognition embedded in everyday activities. Adults also developed mathematical vocabulary through conversation, linking number learning with spoken language. The same inspection identified inconsistent phonics support from some adults across the school; that concern should be distinguished from its nursery-specific mathematics findings. It also found school-wide weaknesses in teaching choices in some subjects, including art, which left pupils insufficiently prepared for the intended learning.

Children on 30-hour placements access the same curriculum as those attending for 15 hours. Their extra time allows them to practise and return to learning with teachers and learning support assistants. Indoor and outdoor provision are both part of the EYFS environment; children staying for lunch also use the EYFS playground afterwards.

Before starting nursery, parents can attend a meeting led by nursery teachers and the EYFS lead, and visit with their child to meet staff and explore the setting. This gives families a concrete introduction before the nursery routine begins.

For children attending the 30-hour day, lunch can be a charged school meal or a healthy packed lunch supplied from home. Lunch takes place in the school hall, followed by playground time. Families therefore have a choice over the meal itself within the longer day.

Developmental concerns go first to the class teacher, with the SENDCo available for further discussion. SEND support plans involve parents and are reviewed termly. Across the school, a sensory room supports regulation, while disabled toilets and a hygiene room provide physical care facilities. Teaching staff hold qualified teacher status, and learning support assistants have at least a Level 2 qualification.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Saltburn Primary School. Parents must make a separate Reception application through the Redcar & Cleveland Admissions Team, even when their child already attends nursery. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

For children moving between classes within the school, teachers exchange information in advance and share support plans. A transition book or social story can be made where it would help a child. These arrangements support familiarity and continuity; they do not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45; afternoon sessions run from 12:30 to 15:30. Collection and drop-off windows allow some flexibility: morning collection is 11:35–11:45, and afternoon arrival is 12:30–12:40. Children arriving after their drop-off window enter through the school office.

Eligible working families can use 30-hour funding. For this pattern, arrival is 08:45–08:55 and collection is by 15:30. The longer timetable includes a daily charge covering an additional 45 minutes, with payments through Arbor. School lunches are charged separately; contact the school for current charges.

Nursery applications go directly to the school: email office@saltburnprimaryschool.co.uk for a form. General enquiries can also be made on 01287 621011. Families collecting school-age siblings are advised to collect them before coming to the nursery pod door; afterschool staff collect participating children directly from nursery.