Norton Primary Academy Nursery Review

Play, sensory exploration and learning zones shape the early years experience at Norton Primary Academy. Children have opportunities to follow their own ideas alongside activities directed by adults. The emphasis is on exploring and taking part, with the academy aiming to develop confidence and independence.

This is the academy’s own nursery on Berkshire Road in Norton, accepting children from age 3 throughout the year. It forms the starting point of a curriculum that begins in early years. Families can therefore consider the nursery for its everyday learning experience, while treating the later Reception application as a separate decision.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning across seven areas rather than separate school subjects. Here, language, physical development and social and emotional learning sit alongside early literacy, maths and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning includes communicating, investigating and developing ideas, rather than simply completing classroom tasks.

Learning zones, materials chosen for children’s ages and sensory experiences give exploration a physical setting. Children can initiate activities, while adults also guide learning. Indoor and outdoor play provide opportunities to develop coordination, balance and strength through movement and sensory exploration.

Maths uses a mastery approach: children explore a concept, practise it and apply it in different ways. Mathematical language is part of that process, helping children explain their thinking. Essential Letters and Sounds is the academy’s phonics programme. Early years computing begins with language about instructions and position, while history introduces vocabulary about local buildings and the lives of parents and grandparents. These are concrete starting points for understanding the world around them.

Tapestry connects learning at nursery and at home. Parents can see activities and progress through the app and contribute examples of learning outside the setting. Consultation meetings provide another opportunity to discuss development, and parents are encouraged to speak with early years staff whenever they wish.

Stay and play sessions, curriculum workshops and workshops about children’s safety and wellbeing give families ways to participate. A lending library lets parents borrow stories each day, extending shared reading beyond the nursery session.

For children with additional needs, individual learning plans draw on assessments, professional advice and information from parents and the child. Learning can be broken into smaller steps, with resources selected to support understanding. Depending on need, support may involve Portage, an Educational Psychologist or Speech and Language Therapy. Parents can discuss concerns with the class teacher or arrange contact with the SEND coordinator through the main office.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Stockton’s school admissions process, using an online application or returning a preference form to the School Admissions Section. Keep this separate from the direct enquiry for nursery entry.

For the 2026–27 primary admissions cycle, the closing date was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Preparation for starting school includes guidance on personal, emotional, social and physical skills, helping families focus on readiness alongside the admissions process.

Two nursery sessions give the day a clear shape: the morning runs from 08:30 to 11:30 and the afternoon from 12:20 to 15:20. These are distinct from the timetable for older children, so families should plan around the nursery’s own collection times.

Nursery enquiries go directly to the school. Call 01642 356091; visits can be arranged by appointment and include a guided tour and questions. Children under 3 can join a waiting list, allowing nursery staff to contact their parents as their third birthday approaches.