EYFS Information
Core Texts for Nursery
Core Texts for Reception
Vocabulary Progression
Cultural Capital in Early Years
Phonics in Early Years
At Shiney Row Primary School, we create a rich learning environment rooted in meaningful, real-life experiences, where every child is valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. In our Foundation Stage, children are at the heart of everything we do. We view the environment as the third teacher, a carefully planned space that sparks curiosity, promotes independence, and encourages exploration. Our thoughtfully designed learning areas invite children to follow their interests and nurture a lifelong love of learning.
We recognise early education as the cornerstone of future success. From the very start of each child’s journey, we provide a high-quality, inclusive, and nurturing curriculum. Our skilled staff support children to use language to explore, question, and observe, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. Central to our approach is the development of strong, trusting relationships built on mutual respect, ensuring children feel safe, valued, and confident to take risks and grow as learners.
Welcome from our Team
Welcome to Shiney Row Primary School,
At Shiney Row Primary School, we value every child as a unique individual and are committed to ensuring they leave our Early Years as happy, capable, resilient and confident learners. By building positive, trusting relationships between staff and children, we believe that children thrive and reach their full potential through a love of play, laying strong foundations for lifelong learning. We nurture children’s curiosity and respond to their individual interests and needs, creating an inspiring curriculum and learning environment enriched by meaningful, hands-on experiences. Strong partnerships between staff and parents are central to our approach, supporting every child to grow, explore and develop in their own unique way.
We look forward to having you in our setting.
Shiney Row Early Years Team
Information for New Starters
At Shiney Row Primary school, we offer 15 hour and 30 hour nursery places, depending on eligibility. As well as 45 reception places which are applied for through Sunderland local authority. The 15 hour places are either 5 mornings 8: 30- 11:30 or 5 afternoons 12: 15- 3: 15. The 30 hour places are 8:30-3: 15 for 5 days per week.
We also offer Breakfast Club (7: 30 -8.45) every day for an additional charge.
Additionally, children can stay at our after-school childcare Monday to Friday. A member of staff will collect your child from the early years setting and take them to the after school club room at 3:20pm. Parents can collect their child from here between 3:20pm- 6:00pm for an additional charge.
Children must be collected from early years by a named adult.
Parent Partnerships
When your child joins our Nursery or Reception, we build upon the foundations you have already established. Each child is supported by a dedicated Key Person, who builds a secure, trusting relationship with them and develops a deep understanding of their individual needs. The Key Person also works closely with parents and carers to ensure continuity between home and school.
We operate an open-door approach and welcome parents to speak to our friendly and supportive staff about any questions or concerns regarding their child. Throughout the year, we host a range of events designed to help you understand how key concepts are taught, enabling you to confidently support your child’s learning at home. We also offer opportunities for parents and carers to play and learn alongside their child within the Early Years setting, strengthening relationships and celebrating learning together.
We use Tapestry to celebrate and share special ‘WOW’ moments and the exciting activities children take part in during their time with us. We also love seeing what they get up to at home, so we encourage parents to share photos, videos, or even short notes about their child’s experiences. Each week, we take time to showcase these contributions with the class, it's a highlight for the children, who always feel so proud to share!
Key Person Approach
Children learn best when they feel safe, happy and cared for. At Shiney Row Primary School, each child has a Key Person, a familiar member of staff who helps them feel secure and supported.
The Key Person gets to know your child well, offers reassurance when needed, and supports their emotional well-being, especially when they are new to the setting. They also build positive relationships with parents and carers and are a key point of contact to help every child settle, grow and thrive.
Free School Meals
Additional Pupil Premium Funding for School
Please apply if you get any of the qualifying benefits as we can get extra funding.
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
- If you aren’t sure if you are eligible, please contact one of the team @ Together for Children on 0191 561 1417.
You can also email: freeschoolmeals@togetherforchildren.org.uk
Key Information
Lunch Arrangements:
Reception children receive a free school dinner.
Full-time nursery children can stay for a school dinner with an additional cost or bring a packed lunch.
School Uniform:
Shiney Row Primary School Uniform can be purchased direct from the following supplier:
https://theschooloutfit.co.uk/collections/shiney-row-primary-school
PE: Children need to wear trainers and joggers/leggings. Earrings must not be worn.
Waterproof Clothing:
We recommend that parents bring in a waterproof coat and wellies. All children must wear one of these to access the outdoor area. We have waterproof trousers available for all children. Waterproofs will be kept at school and sent home at the end of the year
Practical Advice:
- Please clearly name any items of clothing which belong to your child e.g. coats, wellington boots and jumpers.
- Please do not dress your child in expensive or designer clothing; we use glue, paint, water and your child will have access to outdoor play whatever the weather!
- You may wish to send in spare clothes for your child in case of an accident. If they are changed in school clothes, we would appreciate them being returned as soon as possible