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Nursery at Escomb 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning to talk, play together and control a pencil gives Escomb’s nursery its focus. This is the nursery provision within Escomb Primary School, at Three Lane Ends in Bishop Auckland. Nursery appears alongside Reception in the school’s class structure, placing it within the school’s early years provision.
Ofsted’s report published on 31 March 2026 judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Communication and physical development give the learning a clear direction. Adult conversations help children build their language, while playing with other children develops their ability to interact. For nursery-aged children, support covers both larger movements and the finer control needed for handling a pencil. Writing begins when children are ready.
The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum addresses children’s development as well as their learning. Here, that means attention to language, relationships and movement alongside early reading and writing. Reading receives emphasis from the start, giving books and learning to read a place in early education.
Creative work extends indoors and outside. In early years, children explore materials and experiment with tools and techniques to produce different effects. This gives them opportunities to practise making choices as they create.
Writing feedback. Adults demonstrate how to form letters, but errors sometimes go uncorrected for too long, allowing some children to repeat them. Prompt correction is the aspect of early writing that needs closer attention.
Progress checks help staff identify the support a child needs. The Ofsted report published on 31 March 2026 found that early years staff worked with families and other professionals when needed to support children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). For parents, this connects classroom learning with help beyond the classroom when needed.
The school’s SEND process uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review: identify the need, agree support, put it into practice and check its effect. An individual SEN Support Plan records needs, intended outcomes and provision. Parents contribute to reviews, so support can be reconsidered rather than left unchanged.
Communication about SEND includes meetings each term and continuing conversations with the class teacher or SENCO. Before a child starts, families are asked to discuss identified needs so support can be planned.
Meals are supplied by Chartwells through Durham County Council. The school’s autumn 2025 meal information included a nursery menu within a three-week rotation. Families provide dietary preferences, allergy information and health requirements before admission, giving staff information relevant to daily care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The school directs parents to Durham County Council for primary admissions.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND, the school can arrange extra class visits according to individual needs, and staff work across classes to establish contact before a move. That supports familiarity; it does not establish an admissions advantage.
Contact the school office by telephone on 01388 603 273, email escomb@durhamlearning.net or the website’s enquiry form.
The school uniform policy permits unbranded green clothing as an alternative to items from Cre8ive Graphics. Uniform queries go to the office. Before admission, parents also supply emergency contacts and information about parental responsibility, and must keep those details updated. These are practical steps that help staff respond appropriately when a child needs care.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process. The school directs parents to Durham County Council for primary admissions.
Language, playing with others and physical development are clear priorities. Nursery-aged children receive support with larger movements and finer hand control, and begin writing when ready.
The Ofsted report published on 31 March 2026 judged early years to meet the Expected standard. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, not a separate nursery rating.
Early years staff work with parents and other professionals when needed. The school uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review, with individual SEN Support Plans and parental involvement in reviews.
Use the school office: telephone 01388 603 273, email escomb@durhamlearning.net or send a message through the website’s contact form.
