Westcliffe Primary School Nursery Review

A hill to conquer on a scooter gave Westcliffe’s early years provision a distinctive detail in November 2022: physical effort sat alongside counting, writing and conversation. This is the nursery within Westcliffe Primary School on Dryden Road, Scunthorpe, for three- and four-year-olds. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 1 and 2 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Adult-led activities and play chosen by children share the nursery day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with developing independence and managing feelings. Development Matters is the named framework for the early years long-term plan, giving the provision a structure across its areas of learning.

Language receives deliberate attention. In November 2022, early years staff used questions and demonstrated complete sentences while children counted, wrote and talked together. Learning to distinguish word sounds came before linking those sounds to letters. Conversation therefore does more than accompany an activity: it becomes part of the teaching. In November 2022, the scooter hill provided a physical challenge within that learning environment.

Number work has tangible starting points. Cuisenaire rods are used in EYFS play, games and activities, while quantities are represented through fingers, ten frames and staircases. The concrete-pictorial-abstract approach moves from handling objects to pictures and then mathematical ideas. Children have something to manipulate before being expected to record their understanding.

Music brings another rhythm to the week. Early years children receive a weekly lesson using Charanga, with opportunities to respond to music, sing and explore making their own pieces. Daily stories with the librarian also include EYFS. Books, voices and practical materials give children different ways to join in.

Independence starts with small, repeated actions. In November 2022, nursery children were learning to wait for a turn and handle equipment for themselves. Early years teaching also uses stories, pretend play and guided interactions to help children manage emotions, cooperate and settle disagreements. Adults model personal care and healthy eating, connecting social learning with everyday needs.

In 2025/2026, the nursery teaching team comprised a nursery teacher and an early years practitioner. For families needing SEND advice, the school’s SENDCo and Inclusion Lead can be contacted through the office on 01724 861602. This provides a direct route for discussing additional needs.

Breakfast is a practical part of the care offer. Children can have toast, beans, yogurt, cereal or fruit, with water, milk or juice. Dinner is also an option, with a charge for staying.

Attending Westcliffe’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through North Lincolnshire Council, using its online, telephone or email route. Treat that application as a separate step from arranging nursery attendance. Nursery admission alone is no assurance of the later place.

Five morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am. Two alternative patterns combine full days with a Wednesday half-day: Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday. Full days run from 8:45am to 3:20pm; Wednesday afternoon runs from 12:20pm to 3:20pm. These patterns let families choose between shorter daily sessions and fewer, longer days.

Full-time attendance is offered to children eligible for 30 funded hours. Working parents who may qualify apply through Childcare Choices and supply their eligibility code to the school. Extra paid sessions may become available after initial places have been allocated; contact the office for current charges.

The free breakfast club operates Monday to Friday from 7:45am, with no advance booking needed. To arrange a nursery visit or add a child’s details to the enquiry list, telephone 01724 861602. Only authorised adults should collect children, and families must keep e-bikes and e-scooters off the premises.