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Nursery at Ryhope Infant School Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Shape matching, counting rhymes and familiar adults give Ryhope’s youngest children a practical start to learning. This is teacher-led nursery provision within Ryhope Infant School Academy, with Nursery 2’s and Nursery 3’s groups. Children can start from the term after their second birthday; the older provision begins the term after their third birthday.
Nursery 2’s can accommodate up to 32 children attending part time. Its three-hour sessions offer a shorter day for families choosing an early introduction to school.
In November 2022, early-years children concentrated on their activities and remained calm. Two-year-olds explored shapes by pairing them with matching outlines. Adults demonstrated what to do, then deliberately gave a shape the wrong name so children could challenge the answer. That turns a simple matching task into practice in recognising shapes and explaining an idea.
Counting songs and rhymes helped children develop number vocabulary. These are concrete examples of early learning: handling shapes, listening to language and joining in with an adult. The emphasis in these activities was on participation and understanding, with staff showing children how a task worked before inviting their response.
Familiar adults mattered to settling. In November 2022, close relationships with key adults helped two-year-olds adjust quickly. For parents considering a first nursery place, that is a useful indication of how relationships supported the youngest children.
The school’s SEND arrangements include individual targets in support plans, with a review each term involving families and relevant professionals. Speech and Language, Educational Psychologists and the Autism Outreach Team are among the services involved. This gives families a scheduled opportunity to discuss progress and agree next steps.
Sensory areas support emotional regulation across the school. The Nurture Room provides a quieter space with fewer children, while the Wellbeing room supports individual or small-group teaching. These school facilities provide different spaces for children needing reduced distraction or additional support.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Sunderland City Council’s online route by the closing date for their admission year.
For 2027/2028, nursery attendance in the academic year immediately before Reception carries the third oversubscription priority. Cared for children and children with an older sibling at Ryhope Infant School Academy come ahead of that category. Where applicants within a category outnumber places, the shortest, safest walking distance decides priority.
The distinction matters: nursery attendance can affect allocation, but it does not replace the application or assure an offer. Keep the Reception application separate from nursery registration.
Morning or afternoon sessions for Nursery 2’s last three hours daily. Whole days are offered occasionally and are usually chargeable, so families needing a longer day should treat these as occasional options.
A funded Nursery 2’s place depends on eligibility; paid places are another option. Nursery 3’s offers 15 funded hours to all children in that provision, with up to 15 additional hours through the 30-hour offer for eligible families. Additional paid sessions may occasionally be possible for children who do not qualify, depending on space.
Registrations can be made after a child’s second birthday. Contact the school on 0191 9171910 about nursery sessions and admissions, and for current charges.
Children can join from the term after their second birthday. Nursery 3’s starts from the term after their third birthday.
There are morning and afternoon options lasting three hours daily. Whole days are occasionally possible and are usually chargeable.
Nursery 2’s funding depends on eligibility. Nursery 3’s offers 15 funded hours, with up to 15 more through the 30-hour offer for eligible families.
No. A separate application is required through Sunderland City Council. For 2027/2028, attendance in the preceding academic year carries the third oversubscription priority, subject to allocation criteria.
Support plans contain individual targets and are reviewed each term. Families and relevant professionals are invited to discuss progress and next steps.
