Highfield Academy Nursery

Three-hour sessions give Highfield Academy's nursery a clear shape: a morning or an afternoon within the primary school on Fordfield Road, Sunderland. Provision includes two-year-olds, with this part of the nursery operating since 2021. For families choosing an early introduction to school, the practical starting point is a half-day routine.

The focus includes the small physical skills that come before writing. In October 2022, early-years adults recognised children who needed extra help controlling their hands and fingers, then provided practice to address that need.

Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; the afternoon runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. These are distinct sessions, with an hour between them. Families can compare the two patterns against their own daily commitments.

Pre-reading skills form part of nursery learning, preparing children for later phonics teaching. Highfield encourages families to share plenty of stories at home, giving parents a simple way to support that early interest in reading.

In October 2022, children needing fine-motor practice had opportunities to develop a firmer grip and more controlled hand movements. That work supported readiness to write: physical preparation mattered alongside early reading skills.

Attention to individual development was a strength of the early years in October 2022. Adults responded to children's particular needs, including the extra physical practice described above. This gives a concrete example of support being shaped around a child's development.

Freeflow lets parents follow their child's schoolwork, making learning beyond the session easier to discuss at home. Families can also speak with their child's teacher about learning. For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Highfield aims to reduce obstacles to learning and improve access to the curriculum and physical environment.

Family support includes signposting to The Toby Henderson Trust for autism support and Grace House for disabled children and their families. Sunderland SENDIASS provides information, advice and support from birth to 25. These are external services, giving families further places to seek guidance. Safeguarding concerns can be raised with the designated safeguarding lead or deputy leads.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the relevant deadline. School admissions involve the local authority, so choosing nursery and applying for Reception should be treated as separate decisions.

Preparation for later learning is a different matter from securing admission. Nursery pre-reading work develops foundations for the next stage; it does not reserve a school place.

Enquiries can go to admin@highfieldprimary.org.uk or 0191 553 7655. Use the morning and afternoon times to plan collection as carefully as drop-off.

Vehicle access. Vehicles cannot access the school site between 8:30-9:15am or 2:30-3:30pm. Both restrictions overlap nursery session boundaries, so families travelling by car need to allow for the final part of the journey on foot.