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Nursery at Cockfield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 and play give Cockfield’s nursery its character. Children aged 2, 3 and 4 have their own Nursery class within the village primary school, with provision starting from a child’s second birthday. This is an early start to school life, with support for individual needs beginning in Nursery.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. In November 2023, children were enthusiastic about their learning, developing confidence and showing consideration for others.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides the curriculum. Here, its focus includes developing communication, social skills and learning through play. In November 2023, the emphasis on language helped children become capable speakers and listeners. Being able to explain an idea or talk about play matters alongside acquiring new knowledge.
Aliens Love Underpants gives a concrete example of learning in the early years. For a World Book Day celebration, children shared books in groups, listened to the story and created cover designs. Decorating pants brought pattern-making into the activity too. Books became a starting point for talking and creating, rather than simply something to listen to.
Another early years activity involved exploring mathematics alongside SCITT students during their training visit. These are examples of activities, rather than a fixed daily timetable. Outdoor learning also forms part of the school’s curriculum; the September 2022 prospectus describes playing fields, a hall and areas of tarmac within the school grounds.
Early reading. The November 2023 inspection identified inconsistent opportunities for younger pupils across the school to consolidate phonics. Some struggled to remember earlier learning. This concern was about younger pupils, rather than a nursery-specific judgement, but is relevant to families considering the next stages of early reading.
Support starts early. In November 2023, children’s needs were recognised and addressed from their first days in Nursery. The school’s SEND approach uses individual support plans and the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, with parents involved in deciding support and reviewing progress.
For children with SEND joining the school, settling can include extra visits, a familiar adult and photographs of people and places made into a book to take home. Parents may stay while their child settles. These arrangements give families ways to build familiarity before expecting independent attendance.
Tapestry connects EYFS parents with their child’s learning. Conversations with the class teacher or SENCO and reviews of support plans provide further routes for discussing concerns.
Lunch can bridge morning and afternoon sessions. The September 2022 prospectus describes meals prepared at school, daily fruit for EYFS children and milk through Cool Milk for under-fives. Families should share allergies, dietary needs and health requirements before their child starts, so these can inform care arrangements.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Every family must make a separate application through Durham County Council’s primary school admissions route, including families already using Cockfield’s nursery. Apply through the normal process by the normal deadline.
Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. The school’s SEND transition arrangements include summer-term classroom visits and meeting new teachers, with extra visits for children who need them. Familiarity supports the move; it does not secure admission.
Nursery applications go through the school office. Funded places of 15 or 30 hours are offered for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4, with entitlement depending on family circumstances. Funding codes must be supplied before starting and revalidated when required. Extra sessions can be purchased; contact the school for current charges.
To discuss nursery options or arrange a visit, call 01388 718263 or email cockfield@durhamlearning.net. Office contact hours run from 8.30am to 4pm. Building access. The admissions page identifies access limitations for disabled pupils, making an early discussion of any necessary arrangements useful before starting.
Children aged 2, 3 and 4 can attend. The two-year-old provision accepts children from their second birthday.
Yes. The school offers 15- and 30-hour funded places for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4. Eligibility depends on family circumstances, and funding codes need revalidation when required.
Yes. Nursery children can stay for lunch between morning and afternoon sessions.
The school’s SEND arrangements include additional visits, a familiar adult and a photograph book to use at home. Parents may stay until their child settles.
No. Nursery and Reception applications are separate. All families, including nursery families, must apply through Durham County Council’s primary school admissions process.
