Yarm Primary School Nursery Review

Sunflowers gives two-year-olds their own starting point at Yarm Primary School, alongside Nursery for children aged three to four. Both offer 15-hour and 30-hour places, a lunch option and access to the Breakfast and Afterschool Club. That gives families several ways to fit early education around their day.

At Spitalfields in Yarm, the provision forms part of the primary school. The staffing structure distinguishes the two groups: Sunflowers has a room leader and a teaching assistant, while Nursery has class teachers and a teaching assistant. The school aims to help children become more independent and confident through play.

Children have room to choose, with adults introducing new learning too. The early years curriculum balances activities initiated by children with those started by staff, rather than relying on one approach throughout. The school aims to develop language, movement and social confidence through play, adult examples and planned learning experiences.

For parents, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical shape here through talking, making, exploring and learning to manage alongside other children. Creative work for three- and four-year-olds includes mixing colours, joining materials and developing drawings with more detail. Choosing what to make, then deciding which materials to use, gives children practice in turning an idea into something tangible.

Technology also has a place in the early years classrooms. Children can use iPads for number activities and music apps, alongside interactive whiteboards for maths and phonics. These are specific tools within the learning environment, with uses that extend beyond watching a screen.

Both Sunflowers and Nursery offer the option for children to stay for lunch. Each group has teaching assistant support within its staffing structure.

For children with additional needs, the school emphasises identifying difficulties early so that support can begin promptly. Its approach involves the class teacher, SENCo and parents in assessing needs, agreeing support and reviewing progress. Parents receive a copy of their child's Personalised Learning Plan, giving them the targets being worked towards.

Families can contact the SENCo through the school office. Confidential appointments and meetings involving relevant professionals give parents a route to discuss concerns and contribute their knowledge of their child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline; choosing nursery should therefore be a decision about the provision itself.

For children with SEND, the SENCo and pastoral team support changes between stages and can coordinate visits and meetings where needed. This support concerns a child's adjustment to change. It does not secure admission.

Nursery's 15-hour places can be taken as morning or afternoon sessions, with 30-hour places also offered. Sunflowers likewise offers morning and afternoon flexibility. Breakfast and Afterschool Club extends care from 7:45am until 5:30pm, which may help families needing care around sessions.

Applications for the three- to four-year-old nursery go to the school office using the nursery application form. General enquiries can be made through the online enquiry form, by emailing yarm@yarmprimary.org.uk or by calling 01642 782731.