Meet the Nursery Team:
- Mrs A Hodgson – Teacher
- Miss L Trotter – Teacher
- Mrs C Clark – Teaching Assistant
- Miss S Metcalfe – Teaching Assistant
- Mrs S Franks– Teaching Assistant
- Mrs C Taylor – Teaching Assistant
- Miss C Roberts – Teaching Assistant
Our Nursery team are all experienced Early Years practitioners who have established a warm, welcoming and caring environment for our children to thrive in.
They are a team dedicated to providing not only a great learning environment, but a nurturing atmosphere in which your child can grow in confidence and independence.
Although staff work with all children, your child will be allocated a key worker when they first start Nursery.
Our Nursery
At Fairfield, it is our aim to create a learning environment where children are relaxed, happy, secure and eager to learn. Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides children with a stimulating environment where children are enthused to explore and learn more based on their interests. A child’s experience in the early years is so important and at our nursery, needs are met in an atmosphere that celebrates individuality and diversity, where everyone is included and everyone matters.
We are excited to meet your child as they embark on their learning journey through a safe, learning, loving, caring and exciting curriculum.
What is a key person?
Every child in an early years setting has a key person assigned to them. This member of staff will be the main point of contact for you and more importantly for your child.
The key person will get to know you and your child really well so that they can understand and meet their needs.
Once your child has settled in at Nursery, we will assign them a key worker. After a few weeks we will complete a baseline assessment that will help to inform us about your child’s strengths and any areas where they may need a little bit more support.
Our Key People
Mrs Hodgson
EY Lead, Nursery Teacher and Reception PPA cover
BA (Hons) in Media Studies. SCITT PGCE with QTS
Hi, my name is Mrs Hodgson. I am proud to be the Early Years lead here at Fairfield Primary and have been for the last two years. I am so excited to welcome you and your child to our Nursery. I have been teaching for fifteen years and have been lucky enough to teach in every year group across the whole school from Nursery right up to Year 6. For the last two years, I have finally made my way back down to Nursery where my teacher training began. This is my tenth year at Fairfield and I feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful school community.
At home, I’m kept busy with my husband, three children and our playful dog Dylan. We enjoy playing on the beach, digging in the garden and eating ice cream!
I can’t wait to welcome your child to our lovely Nursery!
Miss Trotter
Nursery Teacher
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) SCITT PGCE with QTS
Hi, my name is Miss Trotter and I started my journey at Fairfield last year after working as a Key Stage 1 teacher at another school. Prior to this my teacher training began in Nursery, where I specialised in Early Years, an area that I am passionate about and absolutely love! I truly believe I have the best job in the world and cannot wait to be part of your child’s journey here at Fairfield.
Outside of school I live with my partner, our dog Rocky and our two football crazy children! I can often be found all over the North East wrapped up, with a coffee cup up in hand, and a hot water bottle watching them play football.. As a family we love hiking, camping and spending time away in the caravan.
Mrs Clark
Teaching Assistant
Early years practitioner Level 3
Hi, my name is Mrs Clark and I have worked in Early Years at Fairfield for ten years (yes, you read that right, ten years!) Eight of those years have been in our Nursery. I love my job very much.
The children often refer to me as silly Mrs Clark and your child will see me crazy dance and act like a fool, but I don’t mind, as I want every child to come to nursery and have the best time.
I can’t wait to meet your child and welcome them in to our Fairfield family.
Not only do I have a wonderful work family, I am very lucky to have a wonderful home life too. I live with my husband, two teenage children and my fur baby.
I enjoy spending my spare time with close family and friends.
Miss Metcalfe
Teaching Assistant
Early Years Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree
Hi, my name is Miss Metcalfe and I am proud to be a teaching assistant in Nursery and have been for the last three years. Prior to this, I worked in a private day nursery in the pre-school room as room leader and was also the deputy manager for almost twenty years. During this time, I have gained significant experience and knowledge . I am really looking forward to your child attending our nursery and helping them to learn and grow.
When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my partner, my two children and our very energetic dog, Chase. We enjoy going on holiday and taking our dog out for walks.
Mrs Franks
Teaching Assistant
Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies and Care & Education in Early Years
Hi, my name is Mrs Franks. I am so happy to say that I have been at Nursery in Fairfield for the past two years. Prior to my appointment, I worked in Reception at another school so love working in the foundation stage! I have also worked in the NHS, helping children and adults with broken bones so I know a fair bit about first aid.
In my spare time, I enjoy vintage fairs, food festivals and reading sci-fi and fantasy books.
My favourite things to do in Nursery are teaching phonics and reading stories.
I am so excited to welcome you to our Nursery setting where we will help your child grow in confidence and develop an enjoyment of learning.
Mrs Taylor
Teaching Assistant
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies,
HLTA, Elklan Speech and Language Certificate, Makaton, Early Talk Boost
Hi, my name is Mrs Taylor and I am very happy to be a Teaching Assistant at Fairfield Primary School. I am also a Lunchtime Supervisor in KS2 and an After School Club Leader. I have 25+ years experience as a TA, working in a variety of settings and across all the year groups. I also have 5 years experience as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant working for the NHS.
I have only been at Fairfield since 2024 but I feel very at home and so pleased to be part of such a wonderful school (this was my school when I was young!).
When I’m not working I love reading, gardening, swimming, keeping fit, walking my dog and especially spending time with my family.
Miss Roberts
Teaching Assistant
Level 2 Health and Social Care, English and Level 3 in Teaching Assisting
Hi my name is Miss Roberts. I am so pleased to now be a Teaching Assistant here at Fairfield. I also share a leadership role in After School Club, which I love! As well as this, I am a lunch time supervisor and I am currently based in Early Years. I know a lot of the children and the activities that they enjoy.
In my spare time, I love to walk my two dogs and spending time with my friends, my family and my boyfriend. I especially love spending time with my niece and nephew who also attend this school. In my spare time, I love to read and bake.
I love being a part of the Fairfield Team!
15 Hours
All 3 to 4-year-olds in England are eligible for 15 hours a week of free childcare during term time. You can get it from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday
In our Nursery, we offer our 15 hours in either morning or afternoon sessions.
8:45am-11:45am (morning session – doors open for collection at 11:30am and close at 11:45am)
12:15pm-3:15pm (afternoon session)
On application, either a morning or afternoon session will be allocated according to availability. If you need a particular session, you are able to request this as you apply and we will do our best to accommodate this.
Some 3 to 4-year-olds are eligible for 30 hours free childcare a week. Check if you’re eligible and find out how to apply.
For further information about 15 hours free childcare, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-and-education-for-2-to-4-year-olds
30 Hours
Our 30 hours free childcare provision runs from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Children would need to bring a packed lunch as school dinner is not provided.
Each child will also receive a piece of fruit for snack and some milk during the day.
Eligibility and Application
You may be able to get 30 hours free childcare if:
- you live in England
- your child is 3 to 4 years old
You can apply online for a childcare account to get a code for 30 hours to give to school.
Your eligibility depends on:
- if you are working
- your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
- your child’s age and circumstances
- your immigration status
You can get 30 hours free childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare.
You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old.
| When your child turns 3 | When they can get 30 hours from | Recommended time to apply |
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | 15 October to 30 November |
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | 15 January to 28 February |
| 1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September | 15 June to 31 July |
For more information about 30 hours free childcare and how to apply, please visit:
Early Years Pupil Premium Funding
Our school nursery could get up to £342 per year to help with your child’s education.
You can apply for early years pupil premium if your child is aged 3 or 4 and you get 15 hours free childcare.
You must also get at least one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
- Working Tax Credit run-on, which is paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit – your household income must be less than £7,400 a year after tax not including any benefits you get
You may also get early years pupil premium if your child is currently being looked after by a local authority in England or Wales or if your child has left care in England or Wales through:
- Adoption
- Special guardianship order
- A child arrangements order
If you would like any further information about this, or you would like to apply, please contact our school office on 01642 581305.
Uniform
All uniform items can be purchased from any supplier and no uniform needs to have our school logo on. Throughout the year, we will organise ‘swap shops’ for families to donate and pick up uniforms as their children grow out of items. In addition, we recycle unclaimed lost property and periodically offer it to families in school.
Although It is not compulsory to wear uniform in Nursery, the majority of our children do wear it as children can get messy after a day full of fun in school! Sweatshirts/ cardigans or jumpers are royal blue and are worn over white polo shirts with grey trousers, skirts or dresses. Blue and white checked dresses may also be worn.
Food
During each session, your child will be provided with a drink of milk/ water and a snack. Snack is usually a piece of fruit or vegetable. Please ensure that you inform the team if your child has any intolerances or allergies.
Please provide your child with a water bottle each day filled with water. Ensure that this is labelled so that we know who each bottle belongs to.
30-hour Dinner Time
The children who attend the all-day session (9-3) are to bring in a healthy, balanced packed lunch for dinnertime. Please do not provide anything containing nuts as we are a nut –free school.
Communication
When your child begins Nursery, you will get access to the School Gateway for school correspondence and key information. You will also be given a QR code to login to your child’s SeeSaw account. This platform allows us to share information and communicate your child’s achievements. Should you wish to contact a member of the Nursery team however, please phone the school office as SeeSaw is not always checked throughout the day.
A day in Nursery
When your child first enters the Nursery, they will have the opportunity for free play within the areas indoors; to explore and build relationships with their friends. Children will then go into their key worker groups to share stories, sing songs and discover new things about the topic we are learning about that week. After this, they will be able to access free flow across the indoor and outdoor areas whatever the weather! During the session, they will also have time for a snack and a drink. Our older children in their final year of Nursery will take part in daily phonics sessions tuning in to sounds following the Foundation for Phonics’ section of Little Wandle.
Working in Partnership
Throughout the year, Nursery organise activity days and fundraising events where you are invited to come in to play and explore with your children. We will also invite you in to watch some performances during different terms.
We always love to see what your child is doing outside of Nursery so we encourage you to share photos and stories about their interests and activities through the SeeSaw app too.
Nursery Provision
Here at Fairfield, we are fortunate to have a huge Nursery space that allows us to provide a range of different provision areas including: A Home Corner, Curiosity Corner, Transport Area, Construction Area, Maths Area, Reading Area, Creation Station, Fine Motor Tray, Sand Area, Water Area, Playdough Area, a Workshop and an Outdoor Area.
Getting ready for Nursery
In preparation for their time in Nursery, you can help your child by encouraging their independence and developing their speaking and listening skills. Below are some of the key areas to focus on:
- Managing to go to the toilet by themselves; taking off and putting on their coat; using their words to ask for help.
- Talking about Nursery and the things that they will be doing; sharing the pictures of the Nursery team will help your child feel a little more at ease when they first start.
- In Nursery, the children are each assigned a picture for their coat peg and tray. Their picture is placed beside their name so helping your child to recognise their name would be fantastic.
- Sitting and sharing stories and talking about the pictures is a great way to encourage your child to have a love of books and develop their vocabulary.
- Playing outside, climbing, throwing and catching balls, balancing, jumping, crawling, dancing, curling and stretching; all of these gross motor movements will help strengthen your child’s core muscles which in turn leads to a good control of smaller movements needed to control objects like paint brushes and pencils.
Most importantly, please support your child in looking forward to joining our Nursery. We can’t wait to start working with you all!
