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Nursery at Richard Avenue Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A dedicated early years play area gives Richard Avenue’s youngest children their own outdoor space within the school grounds. This is the school’s nursery for children aged three to four, on Hurstwood Road in Sunderland. Children can attend a morning or afternoon session, with a school-day option for eligible families using the extended entitlement. The provision combines early learning with an introduction to school life.
Language, movement and understanding the world give the early years curriculum its shape. At the September 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified purposeful learning across communication, mathematics, physical development and knowledge of the world. For parents, these are the building blocks of the Early Years Foundation Stage: developing ways to communicate, understand ideas and become more physically capable.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds supplies the named approach to early phonics, which begins in nursery. That gives early work with sounds a connection to the school’s reading programme. Physical learning also includes the balance ability cycling programme in early years, adding a practical way to develop movement skills.
Outside, the dedicated EYFS play area sits within grounds that also contain the Wildlife Garden, Friendship Garden and an allotment. These are school facilities rather than nursery-only spaces. Indoors, classroom equipment includes touchscreen whiteboards, while a separate ARP room serves children with special educational needs.
For children accessing Little Explorers, the additional resourced provision for early years and Key Stage 1, learning follows a play-based, semi-formal model. Stories support English work; mathematics explores numbers up to 10 alongside patterns, colour, shape and measurement. A weekly cookery focus develops independence, and outdoor time includes the school grounds. This is provision for children whose significant additional needs prevent them accessing the mainstream curriculum, rather than the pattern for every nursery child.
Settling begins with home visits and short stay-and-play sessions for children and families. Parent presentations are shared through Seesaw. These give families ways to become familiar with the setting before regular attendance, with additional meetings and adaptations arranged for children with recognised SEND.
Nursery staffing includes a teacher and teaching assistants. Support for communication can involve Speech and Language Therapy, with referrals through nursery when a specific need is recognised. Early years language groups also work on vocabulary and grammar, including for children who do not need specialist therapy.
Little Explorers uses visual timetables, sensory equipment and communication boards to make activities and choices easier to understand. Its support includes toilet training and help at lunchtime. Children retain their mainstream class registration and join peers for suitable activities where their needs allow.
Lunch can be brought from home or purchased as a school meal. The school’s menu provision includes halal and vegetarian choices, and families can raise special dietary requirements. For children staying through the school day, that offers a choice between a packed lunch and the school kitchen.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Sunderland City Council; nursery applications go directly to the school. Treat these as separate decisions and apply again through the council’s normal admissions process by its deadline.
Transition support sits alongside that application process. Children spend a session with their next class teacher towards the end of the summer term, and staff pass support plans to the receiving teacher. Additional visits or a social story can be arranged for children with SEND. Familiarity supports the change of class; it does not secure admission.
The morning and afternoon intakes each provide 15 hours a week. Eligible parents can use 30 hours across the school day. Children begin in the term following their third birthday, and nursery enquiries go directly to the school at contact@richardavenue.co.uk or 0191 500 7990.
Meal charges. A school lunch is chargeable for nursery children choosing that option. Include this extra in your childcare planning and refer to the school for current charges.
The school provides a term calendar for 2026/27 covering holidays and inset days. Use it when arranging childcare around school closures.
Children aged three to four can attend, starting in the term after their third birthday.
Morning or afternoon attendance provides 15 hours weekly. Eligible parents can access 30 hours, allowing attendance throughout the school day.
Induction includes home visits and short stay-and-play sessions. Parent information presentations are shared on Seesaw, with additional meetings for children with recognised SEND.
Yes. Children can bring a packed lunch or have a chargeable school meal. The school offers vegetarian and halal options and welcomes enquiries about special diets.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Sunderland City Council, while nursery admission is handled directly by the school.
