Wylam First School Nursery

Welly Wednesday gives Wylam’s nursery week a distinctive rhythm: woodland and the Community Orchard sit alongside time in the allotment and exploration in the Early Years yard. Outdoor learning has a regular place in the timetable. For families who value learning beyond the classroom, these are concrete spaces children use.

Children can start in the term following their third birthday. Nursery forms part of the school’s Early Years provision, with Nursery and Reception children learning in a shared environment under the unit arrangement. Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 26 and 27 September 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children take part in adult-led and supported activities alongside exploration they direct themselves. Planning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework covering young children’s learning, development, health and safety, with Development Matters supporting curriculum decisions. Nursery initially concentrates on the three prime learning areas and how children approach learning; literacy and maths receive more attention as children become ready.

A two-year planning cycle uses themes that change in response to children’s interests. Talk for Writing develops communication through stories, while nursery library books go home for families to enjoy together. White Rose Maths resources and techniques support mathematical language, reasoning and solving problems. These give parents practical connections between classroom learning and conversations at home.

The outdoor routine is specific. Children can move freely into the Early Years yard, have an allotment session each week, and spend time in the orchard and woodland on Welly Wednesday. Wild About Adventure and the Wild Passport are also part of early years learning. Different spaces give children opportunities to explore beyond their shared learning environment.

In September 2023, early years children showed sustained attention and enthusiasm for planned activities. The environment encouraged them to act independently, and adults deliberately demonstrated language and communication. Those findings give substance to the emphasis on exploration and talking.

The nursery team includes a teacher and a key worker whose responsibilities cover Early Talk Boost and paediatric first aid. An EYFS lead has responsibility for early language development and Launchpad to Literacy. Language support therefore has identifiable roles within the team.

Children adapted comfortably to early years routines in September 2023. Parents can participate through Stay and Play sessions and workshops, and add their own observations to online learning journals. That creates a route for sharing what children do at home as well as in nursery.

For children with special educational needs, the school aims to create individual learning plans with clear targets. Assessment draws on family observations alongside those of teachers, with support reviewed in consultation with parents and relevant organisations. Families have a part in identifying needs and reviewing the response.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, meeting the deadline for their entry year. School admissions are handled by Northumberland County Council, so that is the route to use.

Shared learning space and activities across Nursery and Reception give children familiarity with the next stage. This is an educational connection, separate from the decision about allocating a place. Treat the Reception application as its own task even if your child already attends nursery.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoon sessions from noon to 3pm, and full days from 9am to 3pm. Nursery doors open at 8:55am, before 9am registration. These timings give families a clear starting point for organising collection and work commitments.

The nursery offers 15 funded hours for all three- and four-year-olds and 30 hours for eligible parents. Attendance patterns include five half days, two and a half full days, or full days across the week. Parents can pay for sessions beyond their entitlement; contact the school for current charges. Additional hours must be paid off by the end of each term to retain them for the following term.

For nursery enquiries, contact the office on 01661 852771 or admin@wfs.cheviotlt.co.uk. The school uniform includes a royal blue cardigan or jumper, a sky blue polo shirt and grey trousers, shorts, skirt or pinafore, with a flat book bag.