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 Grindon Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, conversation and movement shape the early start at Grindon Infant School. Its Two Year Old Provision takes children after their second birthday when spaces permit, while the Nursery class admits children after their third birthday, also subject to availability. Both belong to the school, rather than a separately registered nursery.
The early-years judgement in January 2026 was Expected standard. Communication is a clear priority: adults help children extend their language, while physical development prepares younger children for making marks. These are practical foundations for joining in learning and expressing what they need.
Indoor and outdoor learning begins from age two. Activities and resources are adjusted around children's interests and developmental needs, giving their own curiosity a place alongside planned learning. Launchpad for Literacy is used from this age to build the skills needed for later learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning to children's development. Relationships, communication and movement provide the foundations; work with numbers, books, creative expression and the wider world builds on them. Talk for Writing adds a story-based approach, using retelling as a starting point for children's own work.
In January 2026, staff supported language effectively through repeated opportunities to practise across the day. Stories organise learning, and younger children take part in structured work on rhythm and sounds. Physical activities help children in the two-year-old provision develop the body strength needed for early mark-making. Clear routines also help children understand what comes next.
Learning foundations. Further work on readiness for the next stage, especially reading foundations, remained an inspection priority in January 2026. Families should consider that development priority alongside the positive findings about language support and younger children's sound awareness.
Before children start, parents are invited to an information meeting where they can see the provision and meet the staff. Starting arrangements are explained there, giving families an opportunity to prepare for the change. The Nursery teacher also has a role within the senior management team.
Support for additional needs starts with a conversation before entry, so intervention can be planned. The school's SEND policy includes early-years Support Plans, reviewed each term, and One Page profiles created with children, parents and staff. That gives families a part in explaining what matters to their child and reviewing support.
Named resources include Widgit Online for symbol-supported communication and Peg to Pen for fine motor development. Ear defenders and spinning chairs provide options for sensory needs. Learning adaptations remained an inspection development priority in January 2026, so individual planning matters alongside the equipment.
MarvellousMe shares updates about children's learning and development. Parents also provide dietary, allergy and health information before admission, helping staff understand individual care needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal route by the normal deadline; the school's admissions page directs parents to an online application form.
Preparation is a separate matter. Summer-term visits and transition days let children meet their new teachers and other children. Once a Reception place has been allocated, entry is phased. For children with SEND moving between classes, staff pass on Support Plans and arrange classroom familiarisation, with extra preparation where individual needs require it.
Morning places are offered in the Two Year Old Provision. The Nursery class has morning and afternoon options, plus some 30-hour childcare places. Availability therefore matters when choosing a pattern that fits family routines.
Nursery application forms are obtained from school and returned there with a birth certificate and address confirmation. The school also lists chargeable extras for both provisions; contact it for current charges. Enquiries can be made on 0191 340 1931.
Uniform is encouraged across the school. Red polo shirts and green sweatshirts or cardigans can be bought without the school motif; branded items are offered through Little Gems in Sunderland.
The Two Year Old Provision admits children after their second birthday when places are available. Nursery class entry is after the third birthday, also subject to availability.
The Two Year Old Provision offers mornings. Nursery class places can be mornings or afternoons, with some 30-hour childcare places too.
Language, stories, physical development and sound awareness feature in the early-years work. Launchpad for Literacy is used from age two, alongside indoor and outdoor learning.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process.
Contact the school to arrange a discussion before starting. Support Plans and One Page profiles involve parents in planning and reviewing SEND support.
