Seaham Trinity Primary School Nursery

Number learning starts in Nursery at Seaham Trinity, alongside the routines that help young children join in school life. This is the school's own nursery on Princess Road in Seaham, with entry from age 3 subject to availability. Its teaching role combines Nursery responsibility with EYFS leadership, inclusion and attendance, linking the youngest children’s provision with wider school support.

Learning to listen comes before learning to read. Early reading begins with noticing surrounding sounds and understanding that letters stand for sounds that can be combined into words. Read Write Inc is the phonics approach used in the foundation stage. For parents, that means the beginnings of reading have a named teaching approach rather than being left to chance.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum includes social development and growing independence alongside learning. In October 2023, Ofsted found that early years children became familiar with routines quickly, responded well to adults and developed the habits needed for learning. Nursery mathematics also introduced knowledge intended to build children's understanding of number. These are useful foundations for participating in a group and beginning more structured learning.

For a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), planning starts with a discussion before joining. Parents are asked to explain identified needs so that support can be arranged; advice from the local authority or other agencies may also be sought. The school's Assess, Plan, Do, Review approach turns this into a cycle of identifying needs, arranging provision and checking progress, with parents involved.

Support has practical tools behind it. Across the school, a sensory room can be adapted to children's needs, Tree Tops supports sensory and motor skills, and speech therapists train staff to deliver individual programmes. Some children and staff use Makaton to support communication. These are school support resources, with provision shaped around the individual child.

Medical needs also receive individual planning, including care plans and arrangements for significant allergies. School lunches run on a rotating 3-week menu, with 3 main-meal choices each day. Dietary requirements and allergies are collected before admission, making that early conversation relevant to food as well as learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admissions process, sending their application directly to Durham local authority and meeting the normal deadline. Treat this as a separate decision from choosing a nursery session.

For children with SEND moving between classes, information and support plans are passed to the next teacher. Children can meet their new teacher in the new classroom, while extra visits or a photo book can be arranged to address individual needs. That preparation supports familiarity; it does not secure admission.

Morning and afternoon places can be requested, subject to space. Another option is 15 hours across 2.5 days, but this depends on finding another parent who wants the other 2.5 days. If the preferred pattern cannot be offered, parents receive the alternative option. Session fit. The paired arrangement makes the longer-day pattern conditional, so families should weigh that condition against their childcare needs.

Visits can be arranged through the main office. For enquiries, telephone 0191 581 3047 or email seaham.trinity@durhamlearning.net. The school is on Princess Road, Seaham, SR7 7SP.