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Nursery at Montalbo Nursery & Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conversation, growing independence and daily indoor and outdoor learning give Montalbo’s nursery its character. This is the nursery within Montalbo Nursery & Primary School on Fairfield Road in Barnard Castle, with nursery teachers and support from qualified teaching assistants forming part of the school team.
Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 11 and 12 January 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school. In January 2023, nursery children settled exceptionally successfully, contributed readily to conversations and helped their peers.
Play and activities guided by adults sit together in topics that change each half term and take children’s interests into account. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning about language, numbers and literacy with creativity, movement, relationships and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond early reading and counting: communicating an idea or becoming more independent also matters.
Books provide something to talk about. In January 2023, early years children spoke enthusiastically about learning connected with favourite stories, while adults used conversations to extend vocabulary. Classroom reading corners give books a physical place in the learning environment. Read Write Inc is the school’s phonics approach; nursery children can begin phonics during the summer term when ready. Readiness matters here.
Indoor and outdoor provision is accessed daily in early years, so learning outside forms part of the ordinary day. For physical learning, nursery teaching uses Primary PE Passport to plan activities. These sit alongside the EYFS emphasis on movement and physical development.
Settling begins with visits attended by a parent or carer before children stay independently. Additional accompanied visits can be arranged with nursery staff when a child needs them. Children with SEND joining the nursery are invited to complete an all about me booklet, giving staff information about existing needs before the child starts.
Nursery children have a dedicated support staff member for personal care, and Level 3 qualified teaching assistants support children from nursery onwards. The school has accessible toilets and changing facilities. Its support spaces include rooms for individual or small group work, allowing additional help to take place away from the main class when appropriate.
For SEND, families help shape individual support plans, with reviews held termly or half termly. Speech therapy visits take place at least once a term, with advice covering activities at school and home. This gives parents a role in support beyond the nursery session. Chartwells supplies the school’s meals, and the office provides the current menu. Before admission, families share dietary requirements, allergies and health information so staff can take these into account.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Durham County Council admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year. Keep that application separate from arrangements for the nursery.
Transition support serves a different purpose: helping children become familiar with their next classroom and adults. Children with SEND joining Reception are invited to several summer transition sessions and a parent open evening. For complex needs, the SENCO may gather information through a visit to the previous setting or home. Some children also receive visual reminders or extra transition activities, giving families practical ways to prepare for the change.
Nursery uniform is optional. Its colours differ from the school uniform: a navy polo shirt goes with a red cardigan or sweatshirt, grey trousers or skirt and black shoes. Emblematic supplies nursery uniform.
For nursery enquiries, email nursery@montalboschool.org.uk or use the school’s contact form. The office email is office@montalboschool.org.uk. Families wishing to discuss additional needs can arrange an appointment with the SENCO through the school.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Durham County Council’s normal admissions process, by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Children visit with a parent or carer before attending independently. Extra accompanied visits can be arranged with nursery staff if needed.
They can begin in the summer term if ready. The school uses Read Write Inc.
No. The optional uniform includes a red sweatshirt or cardigan, navy polo shirt, grey trousers or skirt and black shoes.
Email nursery@montalboschool.org.uk or complete the form on the school’s Contact Us page. For SEND discussions, contact the school to arrange a SENCO appointment.
