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Nursery at New Silksworth Academy Infant
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Confidence, independence and resilience are the goals for early learning at New Silksworth Academy Infant. Provision begins with Early Learners for two-year-olds, alongside a Nursery class for children aged 3–4. These are distinct stages within the academy's early years provision, rather than one mixed-age offer.
Based on Blind Lane in New Silksworth, Sunderland, the Infant Academy shares a site with the Junior Academy. Each academy occupies its own large space at opposite ends of the school. For parents choosing an early start here, the important distinction is between the two-year-old provision and the older Nursery class: their session options differ.
The school aims to shape learning around each child's needs and to develop independence alongside confidence. It also places partnership with parents within that approach, so the child's preparation for school is a shared aim.
The academy's #WeAre approach gives its learning ambitions a recognisable identity. Curiosity, creativity and collaboration sit alongside compassion and resilience among its named learning behaviours. These are the school's aspirations for how children learn and relate to others, giving families a useful sense of the intended character of learning here.
Session length makes a practical difference to the day. Younger children have morning or afternoon sessions; older Nursery children also have an all-day option if eligible for 30-hour Nursery. That longer pattern includes the option to remain for lunch, making the meal part of the nursery day rather than a separate collection break.
A phased start can be agreed between staff and parents for children in the two-year-old provision. The school recognises that starting can be a significant adjustment for both children and their families. This gives the youngest starters a way to build up attendance gradually where staff and parents agree it would help.
For children attending all-day Nursery, lunch can be brought from home or bought as a school meal. School meals carry a separate charge, with payment collected weekly through ParentPay or accepted by Nursery staff or the main office. Families can choose the lunch arrangement that suits them and should obtain current charges from the school.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities involves families in planning. A Personal Support Plan identifies a child's targets and additional provision, with its content agreed with the family as appropriate. Support depends on the child's needs and can include individual help or small-group work. The school works with services including the Autism Outreach Team and speech and language therapy, giving staff routes to specialist input when needed.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate Reception application even when their child already attends this nursery, using the normal school-place application route.
The school provides an Apply for a school place link. Sunderland City Council's Admissions Team handles admissions queries. Families should treat the Reception application as a separate step in their planning, rather than assume that nursery attendance completes it.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm in both the two-year-old provision and Nursery. Eligible children attending 30-hour Nursery have an all-day session from 8.45am to 3.30pm.
For ages 3–4, the offer is up to 15 hours of free Nursery education, with an additional 15 hours of free childcare for eligible families, subject to availability. Nursery entry begins in the term following a child's third birthday. The two-year-old provision has funded and private places; children entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week can attend a morning or afternoon session, subject to availability.
Applications for either provision are made online through Applicaa. The school office is the enquiry route for Nursery sessions and admissions, on 0191 5000015 or office@newsilksworthacademy.co.uk. Contact the school for current private-session and meal charges.
Early Learners is the two-year-old provision. The Nursery class serves ages 3–4, with entry from the term after a child's third birthday.
Both provisions have morning sessions from 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Eligible 30-hour Nursery children attend from 8.45am to 3.30pm.
Children attending all-day Nursery can stay for lunch. They may bring a packed lunch or have a separately charged school meal.
A phased start in the two-year-old provision can be arranged between parents and staff where appropriate.
No. A separate Reception application is required even if your child already attends Nursery. Use the normal school-place application route.
