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 Southridge First 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
At the July 2022 inspection, treasure maps and an outdoor funfair illustrated the creative character of Southridge’s early years provision. Children’s interests helped shape activities, with adults turning a fascination with maps into opportunities to design and make their own. Independence mattered alongside imagination.
This is Southridge First School’s own nursery, on Cranleigh Place in Whitley Bay. Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 12 and 13 July 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
In July 2022, early years learning combined adult guidance with scope for children to pursue an interest. Map-making was a concrete example: adults responded to something children wanted to explore and gave them a practical creative task. For parents, this shows how an interest could become the starting point for learning rather than simply a passing enthusiasm.
Outdoor activity had a creative role too. Children joined in face painting at an outdoor funfair. The emphasis was on participation, creativity and growing independence, giving children opportunities to make choices and take part in an activity beyond the classroom.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) provision included work on personal, social and emotional development. Alongside making and designing, this placed children’s development as individuals within the curriculum. Adults adjusted learning to engage children they knew well.
Curriculum planning. The July 2022 inspection also identified weaknesses in the school’s curriculum sequencing and use of assessment, including history and design and technology. These were school-wide concerns, rather than findings attributed specifically to nursery activities; they qualify the broader curriculum picture.
The nursery teacher also holds the EYFS leadership role and serves as a deputy designated safeguarding lead. That combines nursery teaching, oversight of early years and a safeguarding responsibility in one role. The wider early years team includes teaching assistants and a higher-level teaching assistant.
For additional needs, the school has a special educational needs coordinator who is also the deputy headteacher. Its SEND policy applies across the school and sets out an inclusive approach. Families have an identified coordination role for discussing support.
Connect, North Tyneside’s Mental Health Service, is a school partner supporting families both within school and outside it. Parents concerned about their child’s mental wellbeing can approach the class teacher. This provides a direct starting point for a conversation about support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. North Tyneside manages Reception admissions and appeals, so the nursery application should not be treated as the Reception application.
Nursery applications go directly to the school, with an end-of-January deadline ahead of September entry. The nursery finishes at 3.15pm, and punctual collection is expected. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0191 917 6665.
Kids Planet Southridge operates the school’s breakfast, after-school and holiday childcare options. These have a separate operator, so families planning additional childcare should distinguish those arrangements from the school nursery place.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process managed by North Tyneside.
Apply directly to the school before the end of January preceding September admission.
Nursery finishes at 3.15pm. The school expects punctual collection.
Early years provision was rated Good following the inspection on 12 and 13 July 2022. Children were encouraged to develop creativity and independence, and adults adapted activities to their interests.
Kids Planet Southridge runs the school’s breakfast, after-school and holiday childcare options. Contact the school office on 0191 917 6665 for enquiries.
