Seaburn Dene Primary School Nursery

Curiosity, imagination and independence give Seaburn Dene’s nursery its direction. The five I's approach encourages children to investigate, create and connect with others, alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This is the school’s own nursery on Torver Crescent in Sunderland, with a nursery teacher and a Foundation Stage Unit manager within its staff structure.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 3 and 4 October 2023. That is an early years judgement within the school’s inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

An 8.45am start and an 11.45am morning finish give the first session a clear shape; the afternoon session finishes at 2.45pm. Those collection times matter when fitting nursery around work or another child’s school day.

Learning follows EYFS through changing themes, with children’s interests helping to determine the topics. In everyday terms, the approach connects learning with what catches a child’s attention, while encouraging independence and interaction. The five I's add an emphasis on imagination and curiosity, with mistakes treated as part of learning.

RWI phonics is used daily across EYFS. Early writing includes learning pencil control and beginning to make letters, words and sentences. An outdoor area specifically for EYFS children gives this age group its own space beyond the classroom.

In October 2023, nursery children enjoyed playing and learning alongside one another and understood the expectations for their behaviour. There was also an early years curriculum weakness: the knowledge children needed before beginning Year 1 was insufficiently defined. Clearer planning across these areas was required, an important qualification to the Good judgement.

A nursery teacher sits within a wider structure that includes Foundation Stage leadership, teaching assistants and a special educational needs and disabilities coordinator. Families wanting to discuss SEND can arrange an appointment with the school. Its SEND policy describes adapting work according to individual needs, giving that conversation a practical focus.

Communication includes the school’s use of Class Dojo and telephone calls to share children’s work with parents. These are school-wide methods. Safeguarding responsibilities include a designated lead and deputies, while staff and governors receive training that is updated regularly.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Sunderland City Council’s school admissions service, rather than through the nursery.

The admissions page gives 15 January 2024 as the deadline for the 2024 Reception entry cycle. That date is past; use the council’s admissions service for the relevant entry year. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

The nursery admissions information for 2023–24 described September, January and April starts, for children who had turned three in the preceding term. It also described a weekly entitlement of at least 15 hours and a 30-hour funded offer for eligible parents.

For families outside the 30-hour eligibility rules, additional paid sessions above 15 hours were subject to the school’s discretion and staffing ratios, with payment required ahead of each term. Contact the school for current charges.

Personal tours can be arranged through the office on 0191 563 4100 or by emailing admin@seaburndeneprimary.co.uk. These provide time to discuss your child individually, including additional needs, before deciding whether to apply.