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Nursery at Ridgeway Primary Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Dough Disco starts the nursery day, while a large bespoke nursery space and its own enclosed outdoor area give Ridgeway’s youngest children room to explore. This is the nursery within Ridgeway Primary Academy in South Shields, with learning that combines stories, conversation, creative activity and outdoor experiences.
In February 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Activities were adapted to the younger nursery children, and curriculum planning gave clear direction to their learning. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Each day begins with Dough Disco, designed to exercise the small muscles children use for writing. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines children’s own exploration with activities guided by adults. Here, that means practising communication, making marks, investigating the world and learning to play alongside others.
Reading starts with listening and language. Nursery foundations for phonics include poems, action rhymes, stories and games in which children hear spoken sounds blended into words. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is the school’s phonics programme. A book corner is accessible during free-flow play, giving children opportunities to choose books as well as share them with adults.
Conversation has practical uses too. In autumn 2024, nursery children listened for environmental sounds and used the home corner for role play and talking together. Colourful Semantics and Makaton are introduced in early years to support expression. Daily access to art materials, alongside outdoor creative activity, gives children another way to explore ideas and practise movement and hand control.
Outdoors, the nursery’s enclosed area has several activity zones. Farm School adds learning at the school’s farm site and Jarrow Hall, with a programme intended to develop cooperation, independence and emotional expression. Weekly gymnastics coaching in early years provides practice in developing motor skills, coordination and balance.
The February 2026 early years findings support the emphasis on language: adults used questions to extend vocabulary, and stories and rhymes engaged children. There was also a clear improvement point. Some adult conversations needed to take children’s understanding further, a useful distinction between keeping children involved and extending what they learn.
Parents participate in transition work to help children settle into early years. In February 2026, identifying individual needs often began before children joined, allowing families to contribute to support planning at the outset. For a child needing additional help, that early discussion matters.
Communication continues through a home reading record: parents can add comments, and staff contribute regularly. The school’s SEND coordinator is contactable through the main telephone number, while the Inclusion Manager offers confidential conversations about emotional wellbeing.
Lunch is included with both full-day and half-day nursery sessions. Snacks and a choice of water or milk are included too, making food part of the session rather than an additional arrangement for families.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through South Tyneside Council Admissions. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as distinct decisions; taking a nursery place does not complete the later application.
The 15 free hours can be taken as mornings, afternoons or either of two patterns spanning 2.5 days. One combines Monday and Tuesday full days with Wednesday morning; the other combines Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday full days. Additional half-day sessions can be purchased. The nursery also offers 30 free childcare hours for working parents.
Nursery application forms come directly from school, and families can arrange a school tour. Contact 0191 455 2865 or info@rpa.tynecoast.academy to enquire. Parents use the main entrance on Lynwood Way and should use designated parking bays; the school asks parents to avoid its car park. That entrance detail matters when planning the journey, despite the academy’s Park Avenue postal address.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through South Tyneside Council Admissions.
Choose mornings, afternoons, Monday and Tuesday full days plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday full days.
Yes. Lunch, snacks and milk or water are included in half-day and full-day sessions.
They share stories and rhymes, practise listening and oral blending, and begin each day with Dough Disco to develop fine motor skills.
Contact the school on 0191 455 2865 or email info@rpa.tynecoast.academy. School tours can be arranged, and nursery application forms are obtained directly from school.
