Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy Nursery

Conversation and growing confidence give Sedgefield Hardwick’s early years provision its character. In October 2024, staff used purposeful exchanges with children to strengthen their language and help them become more confident learners. The nursery is part of Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy on Hawthorn Road in Sedgefield, placing this first stage of education within a primary school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) forms part of the curriculum. Here, learning also includes the social development that helps children participate, build confidence and become more independent. That gives parents a useful way to think about the nursery day: learning involves relationships and communication as well as developing knowledge.

In October 2024, the early years environment encouraged children’s interest and involvement. Adults guided activities supporting emotional development, social skills and learning, while their conversations with children helped develop language and confidence. Adult interaction matters here. It connects what children are doing with their ability to express themselves and engage with learning.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school adapts both learning and the environment. Its SENCO and assistant SENCOs coordinate support with class teachers, giving families a team through which concerns and provision can be discussed. Teaching assistants may work with a child individually or in a group when the class teacher considers this necessary.

Support follows a cycle of assessing needs, planning provision, putting it into practice and reviewing progress. An individual SEN Support Plan records a child’s needs, intended outcomes and support. Parents contribute to this process, and termly discussions review how support is working before new outcomes are agreed. This makes parental involvement part of the continuing plan.

Speech and communication services, occupational therapy and the Autism and Social Communication Team are among the external specialists the school can involve. Their role may include assessment, advice to staff or direct support for a child, depending on need.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Transition support has a different purpose: helping children become familiar with the next stage. The Early Years Lead and deputy head work with Reception staff on this process. Across the school’s class transitions, Moving Up Day gives children time with their next teacher in their next classroom.

Additional arrangements can be tailored for children who need them. These may include extra classroom time, a visit alongside a familiar support adult, or photographs and videos to discuss at home. Such preparation supports familiarity; it does not determine admission.

The school’s address is Hawthorn Road, Sedgefield, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3DA. General enquiries can be made on 01740 620 041 or by emailing school@sedgefieldhardwick.co.uk.

For family planning, the school’s 2026/2027 calendar places autumn half-term from 26 to 30 October 2026, with the autumn term ending on 18 December 2026. Keep those school closure dates in mind when organising care around the school year.