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Nursery at Barley Fields Primary
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, stories and outdoor exploration give Barley Fields Primary’s nursery its shape. This is the school’s Lower EY provision, with 78 places for children aged three and four, and funded attendance starting from the term after a child’s third birthday. It belongs to the school but has separate access from the main building.
An Early Years garden and play area give younger children their own outdoor space. In November 2025, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum works through practical experiences and play. Children explore and make choices, while adults guide their learning and respond to individual needs. Child-led activity sits alongside adult direction: the aim is to develop imagination and thinking as well as participation.
Stories lead into purposeful activity. Nursery texts include The Blue Balloon, The Train Ride and Dear Zoo. Talk for Writing, Short Burst Writing and Read, Write, Perform/Publish inform the writing approach. Children build spoken language and the physical skills needed for writing.
Outdoor learning has substance, too. Two Forest School areas support exploration on the school site, with the nursery pathway including den making, seasonal change and imaginative outdoor play. These give children practical problems to tackle beyond the classroom. In November 2025, early years children developed vocabulary through stories and shared reading, while physical activities helped prepare them to handle writing equipment.
Foundational learning. The November 2025 inspection called for more precise teaching choices to secure early reading, writing and mathematics knowledge for all pupils. This was a school-wide improvement point; families should weigh it alongside the positive early years findings.
Each child has a key person who helps them become familiar with nursery and talks with parents about their needs. Familiarity begins before attendance: stay and play sessions take place in June and July, followed by another nursery visit at the beginning of September. A pre-attendance meeting introduces families to the organisation and curriculum, giving parents time to meet staff and ask questions.
For children already attending another childcare setting, nursery staff contact that provider to support the move. In November 2025, early years staff knew children and families well, encouraged children to contribute and acted promptly when additional help was needed. An Early Years SEND contact can be reached through the school office.
Lunch matters for the longer sessions. Children attending from 9.00am to 3.00pm can have a hot school meal or bring a packed lunch, with nursery team members supporting them in the dining hall. School meals are paid for through Parent Pay; ask the school for current charges. Marvellous Me carries information about children and celebrates their achievements, helping parents keep in touch with school life.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or entitle a child to one at Barley Fields. Families must make a separate application to Stockton Local Authority through its normal school admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Places are allocated against the authority’s admissions criteria.
Transition support is a separate matter. The nursery’s summer curriculum includes work on children’s sense of identity linked to Reception, helping them think about the next stage. That preparation does not change the admissions process.
Four arrangements provide 15 hours: daily mornings from 8.40am to 11.40am; daily afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm; Monday and Tuesday from 9.00am to 3.00pm plus Wednesday morning; or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Places within each option are limited, so a preferred pattern cannot be guaranteed. Changes depend on a vacancy in another option.
Eligible families can access 30 hours through a partnership with the separate onsite provider Ryandale Playgroup. Enquiries and nursery visits go through the school office on 01642 767051, with applications also accepted at barleyfields@barleyfields.org.uk. Nursery uniform combines a navy blue or red jumper, cardigan or tank top with a white polo shirt, grey skirt or trousers and flat black shoes. Lamb Lane’s parking bays can become congested, so allow time for collection and drop-off.
Children aged three and four can access funded 15-hour provision from the term after their third birthday, subject to a place being available.
Yes. There are daily morning and afternoon options, plus two patterns combining two full days with a Wednesday half-day. Each option has limited places, so preferences are not guaranteed.
Stay and play sessions run in June and July, with an additional visit at the start of September. Each child has a key person, and parents attend a pre-attendance meeting.
Children can bring a packed lunch or have a hot school meal. Nursery team members supervise and support them in the dining hall. Contact the school for current meal charges.
No. Nursery attendance does not entitle a child to a place at Barley Fields. Parents must apply separately to Stockton Local Authority, which allocates school places using its admissions criteria.
