Marlborough Primary School Nursery Review

Puddle jumping, minibeast hunts and an allotment give Marlborough’s nursery its outdoor character. Provision for children aged two, three and four sits within the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit, with morning nursery sessions alongside the Reception class. Older children act as examples for younger ones, making contact between the age groups part of everyday provision.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its March 2025 inspection. That judgement covers the early years unit within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play shapes the learning here. The EYFS approach connects children’s learning and development with activities indoors and outside, rather than treating the outdoor space as a break from learning. Inside, natural decoration and distinct activity areas give children spaces to make choices and work independently. Outside, the early years unit has its own large area, accessible throughout the year.

Forest School adds another setting for exploration. Children search for small creatures, splash through puddles and help care for the allotment, learning about seasonal change and how plants grow. Wellington boots and waterproof clothing are provided for outdoor activities. Weather does not determine whether outdoor play happens.

Technology also appears through play. Early years activities include making digital pictures, photographing things that catch children’s interest and operating a remote-controlled toy. Walkie-talkies, microphones and music players support exploration outdoors. These are practical opportunities to develop control and use language while investigating how things work.

In March 2025, adults supported learning and play with sensitive guidance and skilful language modelling. Early reading teaching across the early years was consistent and effective, with prompt help for children falling behind and reading books matched to their learning stage. The emphasis is on support that responds to the child.

Every child has a key person responsible for following their development and building a familiar relationship. Each class is organised into two key groups, giving this personal contact a place within the wider unit. For a young child, that means a particular adult to turn to during their nursery experience.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school’s process starts with discussion between staff and parents. The SEND coordinator can be reached through the office. A My Support Plan records individual targets and additional provision, with families involved in agreeing its content. Support can address communication, social interaction or physical difficulties as well as learning. Targets may also cover emotional difficulties and fine motor control.

An optional hot lunch and additional lunchtime care are offered. Families can choose whether to use these services; declining paid extras does not reduce the EYFS provision, and alternatives are offered. This keeps the meal decision separate from access to funded learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Marlborough directs school applications to Sunderland City Council’s online admissions service, with requests handled by the council’s Schools Admissions Department.

The shared early years unit gives nursery children contact with older children who model learning and behaviour. That is useful familiarity with the next stage, but it should be understood separately from the allocation of a school place.

Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am. Eligible children can receive 15 or 30 funded hours each week, depending on their circumstances. Funded hours carry no compulsory charge; meals and additional childcare are optional paid services. Contact the school for current charges.

To register interest or arrange a visit, telephone the office on 0191 4164311. Email enquiries@mpschool.uk is another contact route. For access to the early years area and office, use the paths beside Pensher View. This is the school’s specified pedestrian approach, so it is a useful detail when planning the nursery journey.