Whitley Lodge First School Nursery

Outdoor play has a clear learning purpose at Whitley Lodge: the nursery’s large outside space supports the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), while physical activity helps children develop the body strength needed for writing. This is the school’s own nursery in Whitley Bay, with 52 places divided between morning and afternoon provision, up to 26 in each session.

Children can start in September following their third birthday, subject to places being available. Ofsted’s report dated May 2026 judged the school’s early years provision to be at a Strong standard; that judgement covers early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play and guided teaching share the session. The EYFS curriculum combines activities children choose themselves with experiences introduced or directed by adults, structured teaching and work in small groups. In parent language, children have opportunities to explore their own ideas as well as practise skills with an adult’s help. Staff observe learning and use assessment to shape what comes next, responding to children’s interests, needs and starting points.

Outside, the nursery’s large learning space supports learning through play. In May 2026, outdoor activity was also being used to strengthen children’s bodies in preparation for writing. Movement therefore has a purpose beyond letting off energy.

Conversation matters throughout early years learning. Adults demonstrate language and build children’s vocabulary through their interactions, helping communication develop quickly. Early number work and phonics receive particular attention. Children were making fast progress from their starting points in May 2026, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those facing other learning barriers. Familiar routines and clear expectations also help children understand how the session works.

Settling is a strength of the early years provision. In May 2026, children adjusted promptly to class, supported by preparation for starting school and an encouraging welcome from adults. Relationships between staff and children were positive, and established partnerships with parents supported that start. For families, this links the emotional adjustment to nursery with the adults who guide children’s learning.

SEND support uses a repeating cycle of assessment, planning, action and review, involving the child, their family and class teacher, with advice from the special educational needs coordinator. Strategies used from nursery onwards include picture-based timetables and Communicate in Print symbols alongside written text. These give children visual ways to understand instructions and learning materials, rather than relying solely on spoken explanations.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through North Tyneside Council, following its normal application process and deadline. The school office handles nursery admissions, while the council handles Reception admissions. Treat these as two distinct decisions: joining the nursery is not an allocation of a later school place.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Each has its own allocation of places. Eligible parents or carers can request provision of up to 30 hours within the nursery, so eligibility remains a condition of that option.

Nursery enquiries and applications go through the school office. Prospective families can arrange a school tour during the academic year by contacting the office at info@whitleylodgeschool.org.uk. The school follows North Tyneside Council’s term dates, with staff training dates chosen by the school. That distinction matters when planning childcare around the school calendar.