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Nursery at Fairfield Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A reading shed, a covered sandpit and daily toothbrushing give Fairfield’s nursery its own character: stories, outdoor exploration and small steps towards independence. Children join from age three, within Fairfield Primary School on Glenfield Road in Stockton-on-Tees. This is the school’s nursery provision.
Two teachers lead the nursery, supported by teaching assistants qualified at levels 2 and 3. Families can choose morning or afternoon attendance, or a 30-hour pattern. That gives parents a choice between shorter sessions and a longer nursery day.
Play and short teaching sessions share the day. Daily routines also form part of nursery learning, giving children practice with the habits of a school day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers children’s communication, movement and emotional development alongside early reading, maths, creativity and learning about the world. Adults observe children’s interests and use those observations to shape activities. Children have opportunities to pursue their own play, with adults joining in to support learning, as well as taking part in guided activities.
Little Wandle Foundation for Phonics brings listening and speaking games into short sessions. Children explore rhyme, rhythm and the sounds within words, building skills for later reading. Stories and nursery rhymes feature too. A daily focus book connects story time with activities elsewhere in the nursery, while maths runs through play and resources across the provision. Planned activities also take place in key worker groups each week.
Outdoor access continues whatever the weather, so movement and exploration are part of the ordinary day. Scooters and bikes sit alongside slides, climbing equipment and large construction blocks. A water station and covered sandpit offer different materials to investigate; planting areas let children grow flowers from seed. The reading shed and wendy house add spaces for books and imaginative play. There is room for quieter interests as well as energetic activity.
Each child receives a key worker when starting nursery, although the whole team works with the children. This adult becomes the main contact for both child and parent, getting to know their needs and providing a consistent relationship. Nursery parents have induction evenings; the school also provides weekly newsletters, termly parent consultations and informal exchanges with teachers.
In September 2022, Ofsted found that early-years children settled promptly through an emphasis on familiar routines and doing things independently, with capable adults providing well-timed support. Those findings concern the early years within the school.
Fruit and milk are offered daily during the story. Toothbrushing happens every day in key worker groups, with a personal toothbrush allocated to each child. These are practical care routines that also give children opportunities to manage small tasks themselves. Families with special educational needs can access support from the school’s SENCo.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local-authority process and meet the deadline for their application year. School admissions are organised through Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; the admissions contact number is 01642 528546. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:30am, while the afternoon session is 12:15pm to 3:30pm. The 30-hour day runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The nursery application offers 15 Hours AM, 15 Hours PM and 30 Hours as its choices.
For children on the 30-hour pattern, a charged extension allows an 8:45am start and 3:15pm finish, booked as needed. This can help families coordinating nursery with older siblings. School staff also run Breakfast Club and After School Club in the nursery space; breakfast provision starts at 7:30am. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01642 581305 or fairfield@fairfieldprimary.org.uk. Prospective families can arrange a visit through the office to meet staff and ask questions.
Children can join from age three.
Morning sessions are 8:45am to 11:30am, afternoon sessions are 12:15pm to 3:30pm, and the 30-hour pattern runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Yes. A key worker is allocated when your child starts and becomes the main contact for your family, while all staff work with the children.
No. You must apply separately for Reception through the local authority and meet the applicable deadline.
Yes. Contact the school office on 01642 581305 to arrange a visit.
