The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Stephenson Memorial 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play and listening give Stephenson Memorial’s youngest children their starting point. Early years provision begins at age two, with a little 2s setting and nursery provision within the primary school on Martin Road, Wallsend. The nursery aims to develop curiosity, confidence and independence through play, making these early habits its focus rather than describing learning only through formal lessons.
Play-based learning shapes the nursery’s approach to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The nursery describes its aim as supporting children’s early development while working closely with families. For parents, the emphasis is on children building independence and confidence through their play.
Listening has a specific place in that learning. In little 2s, children encounter stories and take part in phase one activities that draw attention to sounds around them. By the final nursery term, the goal is for children to identify sounds within words. Work across the phase one aspects builds towards this, followed by associating the sounds they hear with letters. This gives families a concrete picture of the early reading sequence: attention to sound comes before matching it to print.
A nursery teacher and teaching assistant roles form part of the Early Years team. Seesaw is the school’s preferred way for parents to contact their child’s teacher, giving families a direct channel for everyday questions.
Support for additional needs sits within the school’s inclusion structure. There are Inclusion and Speech and Language lead roles, alongside an EYFS Support Plan and Pupil Passport. The school describes inclusion as responding to what each child needs, rather than giving everyone identical support. Parents with concerns are encouraged to speak with class teachers or the Inclusion Team, providing a clear starting point for discussing their child’s needs.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Keep that application distinct from the nursery enquiry: choosing an early years place is not the same decision as securing a school place.
Session choices depend on eligibility. Families with a valid 30 hour code can ask to be considered for a 32.5 hour place, Monday to Friday, from 08:50 to 15:20. Another option combines five mornings, 08:50 to 11:50, with selected afternoons. Families using funded hours only choose one afternoon when their child will not attend. For eligible families, a 15 hour option covers five mornings from 08:50 to 11:50. These alternatives make the afternoon attendance pattern an important part of choosing a place.
The early years enquiry form lets parents select either two-year-old provision or nursery, give a preferred start date and provide contact details. The school then contacts the family. General enquiries can also go to admin.smps@smartacademies.net or 0191 500 6670. Contact the school for current charges.
School uniform expectations include a navy polo, a red cardigan or jumper, and grey or black bottoms. Plain items can be bought from supermarkets; Top Class Uniforms is the named supplier. Clothing and belongings should carry the child’s name, helping lost items find their way back to the right family.
Early years provision begins at age two, with little 2s and nursery provision.
The five-morning option runs from 08:50 to 11:50. Eligibility applies to the funded session choices.
Families with a valid 30 hour code can ask to be considered for a 32.5 hour place, Monday to Friday, from 08:50 to 15:20.
Complete the early years enquiry form, choosing two-year-old provision or nursery and giving your preferred start date. The school will contact you.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
