The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Hartburn 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play sets the direction at Hartburn’s nursery: children choose activities, investigate indoors and outside, and join challenges guided by adults. Their interests help shape what happens next. This is the school’s own nursery provision in Stockton-on-Tees, with entry from age three, forming part of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
The nursery teacher also leads early years and holds an assistant headteacher role. That connects nursery teaching directly with leadership of the phase.
Children have room to make choices. Alongside activities they initiate themselves, adults introduce tasks and challenges, giving the day both independent exploration and guided learning. Indoor and outdoor environments are used for play and investigation; the nursery aims to develop independence through practical experiences rather than relying solely on adult instruction.
The EYFS brings learning and development together. Here, play is used to develop imagination, help children communicate and make sense of their experiences. Children’s interests and beliefs influence planning and play opportunities, so their own questions can help shape learning. Physical development, relationships and emotional development also feature in Hartburn’s early years aims.
Preparation for reading includes listening, looking and distinguishing speech sounds. Adults model language and encourage children to use it themselves. The Hartburn Phonics programme begins in Nursery, connecting these early communication experiences with learning about sounds.
In February 2023, children were beginning number work in Nursery, with maths resources spread throughout the early years learning areas. This gives number learning a place beyond a single activity. Curriculum depth. The same inspection called for fewer key concepts in parts of the wider curriculum, starting in early years, so children had enough time to understand them securely. At school level, the February 2023 inspection also required staff to use checks of learning in foundation subjects more consistently. Depth matters alongside variety.
A higher level teaching assistant and two teaching assistants, one part-time, work in the nursery team. Support for additional needs also draws on the school’s SEND coordinator and class teachers, with parents able to arrange conversations through the office.
Communication receives specific attention. In February 2023, an early years programme targeting vocabulary and listening was reducing the number of children needing additional help. For a child finding language difficult, this places support early in their education.
Across the school’s SEND provision, visual timetables, sensory boxes and ear defenders are among the practical aids available. Individual Support Plans involve parents and children, with reviews at least three times a year. Speech and Language Therapy and the Trust Educational Psychologist can contribute when needed; parental consent is sought for referrals for specialist assessment. These arrangements give families a role in deciding and reviewing support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no nursery-attendance priority under the September 2026 arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the Common Application Form. For that entry cycle, the primary application deadline was 15 January. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
Transition support is a different matter. For children with SEND, teachers exchange information before the new academic year. Where needed, extra transition support can include a familiar adult accompanying the child briefly. That helps continuity of care; it does not alter admission entitlement.
Nursery uniform allows a simpler option: a white polo shirt, grey trousers or skirt with an elasticated waist, and a school jumper or cardigan. Logo items and ties are optional for early years children, giving families flexibility over what they buy.
The school is on Adelaide Grove, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 5BS. Nursery enquiries go through the office on 01642 646001 or enquiries@hartburn.org.uk. Administrators handle initial queries and can arrange contact with the SEND coordinator.
The school’s nursery provision starts from age three.
Children learn through play and investigation indoors and outdoors, combining activities they choose with tasks guided by adults.
No. Attendance does not guarantee a place or confer nursery-attendance priority under the September 2026 arrangements. A separate application goes to the family’s home local authority.
They can wear a white polo shirt, grey elasticated trousers or skirt, and a school jumper or cardigan. Hartburn logos and ties are optional in early years.
Contact the school office to arrange a conversation with the class teacher or SEND coordinator. Parents take part in Individual Support Plan reviews at least three times a year.
