The Links Primary School Nursery Review

Monday Forest School and Squiggle While You Wiggle give this nursery a practical, playful character. At The Links Primary School in Eaglescliffe, provision for three- and four-year-olds sits within the school's Early Years unit, with learning that moves between classroom activities and outdoor exploration.

Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 February 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play does much of the teaching here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework shapes learning across seven areas of development, with activities adapted to individual children. Children explore their own ideas and also take part in activities led by adults, indoors and outside. This gives a session room for both independent choices and guided learning.

The Links Learning Powers use Little Miss and Mr Men characters to help children talk about how they learn. Adults model the language, supported by interactive displays. For early handwriting, Nursery uses Squiggle While You Wiggle alongside Letter-join: large movements come first, followed by smaller, more controlled movements. Pencil control begins with physical activity.

Outdoor learning has a regular place in the week. Monday Forest School takes place in natural surroundings, with possible activities including building shelters, planting and making wands. Forest School sessions may also include mud kitchen activities. Children need a coat and wellies for participation whatever the weather. Friday is the Early Years PE day, alongside daily opportunities for physical activity.

Books travel home for adults and children to enjoy together, and the Book Swap Box lets children choose another story to share. In February 2023, children in early years enjoyed phonics activities and used mathematical language accurately while comparing tower sizes. These are concrete examples of early literacy and number learning through activity.

Home learning and classroom experiences connect through Seesaw. Staff sometimes share observations there, while parents can record reading with a photograph or comment. WOW Certificates arrive by email, giving families another way to celebrate progress.

A healthy snack is free each day, and children younger than five receive milk free of charge. Trained staff supervise snack time; children are encouraged to bring a water bottle. For children attending across lunchtime, confirm lunch arrangements and current meal charges with the office.

For SEND concerns, start with the class teacher; a further meeting with the SENDCo can be arranged through the office. Individual support plans involve parents and are reviewed each term. The SENDCo holds the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination. Support targets. In February 2023, some school-wide SEND plans needed more precise goals. Families using this support should pay attention to how their child's next steps are defined and reviewed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Families must make a separate application through Stockton-on-Tees local authority, using the Common Application Form by 15 January. Nursery attendance also does not count towards the sibling criterion, which applies to siblings of compulsory school age. Keep the Reception application separate from nursery booking.

For children with SEND moving between classes, support plans and pupil profiles are passed to the next teacher. Extra visits can be arranged for children needing enhanced transition once staffing is known. These arrangements support familiarity with the next class; they do not affect admission entitlement.

The standard 15-hour pattern is five mornings, 8:45am to 11:45am, or five afternoons, 12:30pm to 3:30pm. For children entitled to 30 funded hours, the full-day pattern runs from 9:30am to 3:30pm across five days. The extended option starts at 8:45am, with a charge for the earlier period. Families eligible for 15 hours can purchase additional sessions.

Alternative combinations depend on availability and must use whole sessions rather than hourly bookings. Nursery children can use wraparound care, with breakfast club from 7:30am to 8:45am and after-school care from 3:30pm to 6pm. Funding may cover these hours where possible; otherwise they are paid extras. Confirm current charges with the office.

Nursery uniform includes a navy/red striped cardigan or jumper, a white polo shirt, navy jogging bottoms and black trainers or school shoes. Collection requires parental authorisation recorded on the Home Arrangements slip. For enquiries, telephone 01642 785950 or email admin@thelinksprimary.org.uk.