Kirklevington Primary School Nursery Review

Mornings are the starting point at Kirklevington: 26 nursery places for children aged three and four, with some availability for children accessing 30 hours within that total. Acorn Class is the school's nursery provision, with a nursery teacher and a class teaching assistant. For families choosing between a morning session and a longer day, that distinction matters: the longer option uses some of the same places.

The morning runs from 9am to noon. Children accessing 30 hours stay until 3pm, with Lunch Club from noon to 1pm and an afternoon session from 1pm to 3pm. Those timings give families a clear picture of how a short nursery morning extends across lunch into the afternoon.

Early learning includes both social habits and the beginnings of reading and mathematics. In October 2022, children in early years were learning to share, wait for their turn and treat playmates kindly. These are practical foundations for being part of a class: learning alongside other children includes learning how to get along with them.

At the same inspection, early-years children were making a good start with reading, while mathematical vocabulary was introduced from the outset. The emphasis brings language into early learning, alongside the social skills children practise with their peers.

Acorn Class has a teacher and a teaching assistant, giving the nursery its own classroom team within the school. For children staying through lunch, families can supply a packed lunch or choose a charged school meal. Ask the school for current meal charges.

Parents with concerns about their child's emotional wellbeing should speak to the class teacher. This provides a direct starting point for discussing worries. For families of children with special educational needs, Stockton's SENDIASS offers independent advice and support free of charge, including contact by telephone on 01642 527158 or email at SENDIASS@stockton.gov.uk.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's school admissions route and meet the normal deadline for their child's entry year. Treat this as a separate task from securing a nursery place.

Transition has its own preparation: a meeting for new parents and a children's taster session are arranged during the term before school starts. These give families an opportunity to prepare for the change; they do not replace the Reception application.

Funding includes 15 hours a week over 38 weeks for three- and four-year-olds, with an extended 30-hour entitlement for eligible families. Some 30-hour places are available within the nursery's 26 places. Breakfast Club runs from 7.45am to 9am, and bookings must be made online in advance so staffing ratios can be planned.

To apply for nursery or join its waiting list, complete the nursery application form and return it to kirklevington@kirklevington.org.uk. A paper copy can be obtained from the school office.

Parking and collection. Children are collected from their classroom. Parents can use the car park reached along Pump Lane, off Forest Lane, with pedestrian access through a gate. Pump Lane forms part of a one-way system, so allow for that approach when planning the journey. Use the footpaths rather than walking through the school car park.