Nursery at Biddick Hall Infants' School

Three session patterns give Biddick Hall's nursery a clear practical shape: mornings, afternoons and a longer day for its limited number of 30-hour places. Children join from the term following their third birthday, subject to space. The nursery has capacity for up to 78 children, with three groups operating during the morning and afternoon sessions.

On Galsworthy Road in South Shields, this is the school's own nursery and part of its Early Years provision. Families can choose a shorter session or seek a longer placement, making the session pattern an important part of deciding whether it fits their childcare needs.

Story choices give children a voice in their learning. At the November 2022 Ofsted inspection, early years children chose books through voting, paid close attention during reading and answered questions about the stories. That combines making a choice with listening and understanding, rather than treating storytime simply as a pause in the day.

Early reading starts in nursery. In November 2022, its programme prepared children for the formal phonics teaching that follows, while early years activities also gave children opportunities to work on mathematics. These are concrete examples of the Early Years Foundation Stage provision: listening to stories, developing understanding and beginning mathematical learning.

Play and exploration also feature in the nursery's activities. A February 2022 example describes children choosing activities, and another records nursery children performing a dragon dance for Chinese New Year. These examples show room for children's own choices alongside a shared activity with a cultural theme.

Settling begins before the first session. Staff arrange a home visit so parents can exchange information with them ahead of their child's start. This gives families an opportunity to discuss their child before nursery routines begin, making the home-school relationship practical from the outset.

In November 2022, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities in early years had their needs recognised promptly, with suitable help arranged. Relationships between staff and families were positive. For parents whose child needs additional support, that combination matters: recognising a need and working with the family are both part of the response.

At the November 2022 inspection, the school's Rainbow Room provided an environment suited to pupils with SEND, helping them access curriculum learning.

A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Biddick Hall's Reception. Parents must make a separate application through South Tyneside Council, which manages Reception admissions. Treat that application as a separate task, even when your child already attends nursery.

During nursery, families receive guidance about applying for Reception at their chosen school. That help supports the application process; it does not replace it or secure a place.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Each pattern totals 15 hours per week. The 30-hour nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm.

Longer placements. The number of 30-hour places is limited. Families needing this pattern should raise it when enquiring, rather than assume that a nursery place includes the longer day.

For a nursery application form, contact the school office on 0191 9330830. The Early Years Lead is the contact for further details about 30-hour placements.