Frederick Nattrass Primary Academy Nursery Review

Stories, songs and sound games give this nursery its character. Reading preparation begins on a child's first nursery day, with conversation and listening activities before formal reading lessons. The emphasis is on learning to hear sounds and having the confidence to join in.

Children can start as soon as possible after their third birthday, subject to a place being available. This is Frederick Nattrass Primary Academy's own nursery, on Darlington Lane in Norton. Its curriculum starts within the academy's early years provision, combining activities children choose with learning directed by adults.

Morning nursery runs from 8.40am to 11.40am. Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which groups children's development into seven learning areas rather than separate school subjects. Communication, movement and emotional development sit alongside early literacy, maths and discovering the world. Play is part of the teaching: children explore ideas, practise skills and persevere with activities.

Phase One phonics develops listening and speech through poetry, rhymes, songs and stories. Children practise hearing sounds and joining them together orally. Essential Letters and Sounds is the academy's phonics programme; nursery builds the foundations for that work. Reading Routes gives nursery children Little Land, while daily stories and books children can choose keep reading woven into their activities.

Learning zones, sensory experiences and materials selected for children's ages shape the early years environment. Opportunities for physical play extend indoors and outside, helping children practise coordination and balance. Maths uses a mastery approach, with concepts explored and revisited through practice. The aim is for children to explain their thinking and use what they have learned independently.

In May 2025, early years children learned routines readily and became more independent and confident. Rainbow challenges encouraged them to finish tasks to earn colours, giving concentration a tangible purpose. Nursery staff also helped children position their mouths to produce letter sounds accurately.

Settling starts with a home visit. A few months before a child's third birthday, the nursery teacher contacts the family to arrange one. Every nursery child receives this visit, allowing staff and parents to discuss the child and anticipate difficulties before they start.

Tapestry connects home and nursery learning. Parents can see activities and progress, and contribute examples from home, helping adults build a fuller picture of the child. Stay and play sessions, consultations and curriculum workshops provide other ways to participate. Starbooks Café invitations bring families into the academy library to share books; a lending library supports reading at home too.

Fruit is provided as a playtime snack for nursery children, and families should tell staff about allergies. A school meal is optional. Across the academy, additional needs support can include an individual learning plan informed by assessments, professional advice and family contributions. Parents can discuss concerns with the class teacher or arrange contact with the SEND coordinator through the office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Stockton Council Admissions Department. Reception is oversubscribed, so treat that application as a distinct step rather than an automatic continuation.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed. The nursery gives parents an admission pack for September Reception entry. Separately, the academy encourages families to develop children's personal, emotional, social and physical readiness for starting school; this preparation does not secure admission.

Funded provision includes 15 hours, with 30 hours available with a code. Additional nursery hours carry a charge, as does the optional school meal. Contact the academy for current charges.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01642 360528. To join the waiting list, families are asked to return an admission form before their child turns two. The academy prioritises children living within its catchment for nursery admission. This is a nursery entry rule, separate from the Reception application.