Preston Primary School Nursery Review

Curiosity gives Preston’s early years provision its direction: planning centres on wonder, alongside the Trust EY curriculum. The school aims to help children develop independence, resilience and both creative and critical thinking. For parents, that gives a clear sense of the intentions behind the learning.

The nursery belongs to Preston Primary School on Laurel Road in Eaglescliffe. Preston describes its approach as child centred, with partnership between families and staff forming part of its educational aims. Its emphasis is on supporting children whatever their ability, rather than expecting every child to develop in the same way.

The Trust EY curriculum provides the framework for early years planning, while wonder supplies the starting point for curiosity. Preston says this approach aims to establish the learning habits children will need at school. The emphasis is on how children approach learning as well as what they learn.

Colour exploration supplies a concrete example of nursery activity. Children investigate how colours change, try mixing them and explore the effects of combining different media. This gives them opportunities to experiment with materials and see what happens when they change their choices. Making and investigating sit together here.

These art activities connect with Preston’s wider ambition to develop creative thinking. A child can explore a colour change or a new combination of materials, rather than simply reproduce a finished example. The nursery art curriculum focuses on exploration, giving parents a useful picture of one part of the learning day.

Family partnership is an explicit school aim. Preston encourages parents to work alongside staff, and its contact arrangements include meetings with teachers, educational and social events, and opportunities to visit. These provide ways for families to build contact with the school team.

For concerns about special educational needs and disabilities, the school’s SEND team offers email contact and telephone appointments. That gives families a direct route to discuss their child’s needs. Contact is through the school office or SENDCO@preston.lingfieldtrust.org.uk.

Safeguarding responsibilities sit with a designated lead and two deputies. Staff undertake training each term, and parents with concerns about a child are encouraged to telephone the school. The practical benefit is a clear contact route when a conversation is needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.

Stockton Council handles the school’s admission responsibilities. Where applications exceed places, oversubscription criteria determine allocation. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to be a decision about the nursery itself; families should keep the Reception application as a separate task.

A visit can be arranged by contacting the school. General enquiries go to 01642 784735 or admin@preston.lingfieldtrust.org.uk. Preston’s address is Laurel Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS16 0BE.

For families considering the nursery, arranging that conversation is a concrete first step. The school welcomes contact and offers visits, allowing parents to meet the team before deciding whether to pursue a place.