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 Holley Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Open-ended materials and an open-plan learning space give Holley Park’s nursery its character. Children learn within the school’s mixed Early Years provision, with natural materials and familiar everyday objects available for exploration. The school describes its approach as inspired by Reggio Emilia: children’s curiosity helps shape learning, while the arrangement of the room supports their discoveries.
The academy’s age range begins at three. Its nursery sits on Ayton Road in Oxclose, Washington, and offers morning, afternoon and 30-hour attendance patterns. For families, that combines a school setting with a choice between shorter sessions and a longer day.
The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and Development Matters guide the curriculum. In parent terms, learning includes practical exploration, conversation and growing independence. The room’s layout and resources are intended to help children investigate ideas for themselves. Early Years learning also includes opportunities outside, extending exploration beyond the indoor space.
Reading starts with listening. Nursery children explore Little Wandle’s Foundations of Phonics, developing awareness of sounds and practising combining and separating sounds aloud. They also learn the everyday mechanics of books: turning pages, looking at pictures and holding a book correctly. These are concrete starting points for later reading.
Storytelling has time in the nursery day, with books selected from the Holley Park Reading Spine. Children in Early Years can also choose a book to share at home with an adult. That gives families a straightforward way to join in, even when a book is beyond the child’s own reading ability.
Mathematics uses Maths No Problem alongside NCETM Mastering Number in Early Years. Objects and pictures help children explore number and explain their thinking before working with more abstract ideas. In June 2024, the youngest children were using language about relative weight independently. The school-wide mathematics improvement action concerned embedding reasoning and problem solving across the curriculum; it was not a separate nursery judgement.
Music adds another strand. Charanga is used from nursery, with weekly lessons led by class teachers. Nursery themes include Singing Sacks, sounds associated with autumn and instruments from around the world. Following a beat and experimenting with instruments give children practical ways to explore sound.
By June 2024, the youngest children were becoming familiar with routines promptly and developing independence. Adults demonstrated vocabulary that children then used themselves, connecting support with what children were exploring.
For everyday questions, parents can speak to their child’s teacher or send an email through the school office. Nursery provision queries can go to the EYFS Leader. SEND support involves parents in initial discussions, assessment and decisions about next steps, giving families a part in identifying what their child needs.
Food routines include drinking water throughout the day and a daily milk offer for children under five through the Nursery Milk Scheme. School meals are cooked on site. Parents must supply written details of food reactions and the action needed, so dietary needs become part of care planning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Holley Park directs school admissions through Sunderland School Admissions. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The 30-hour pattern runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm. Nursery doors open at 8.30am.
The core early years offering is 15 hours, or 30 hours where eligibility requirements are met, free of charge. Additional early years provision is charged. The school office arranges visits and handles enquiries at info.holleypark@nllt.co.uk or 0191 417 0303.
Nursery uniform uses red jumpers with white shirts and grey trousers or skirts; ties are not required. Branding is optional, and pre-loved clothing can be collected from the school foyer, giving parents alternatives when children outgrow items.
Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoon sessions are 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and the 30-hour pattern is 8.45am to 3.15pm.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal school admissions process.
They explore Foundations of Phonics through Little Wandle, develop listening and spoken sound skills, become familiar with books and hear stories during the day.
Children wear red jumpers over white shirts, with plain grey trousers or skirts. Nursery children do not wear ties, and branded items are optional.
Yes. Contact the school office on 0191 417 0303 or email info.holleypark@nllt.co.uk to arrange a visit.
