Etherley Lane Nursery School Review

Pinecones and twigs became counting materials at Etherley Lane during the September 2023 inspection, when woodland activities gave children a practical way to apply group learning. The nursery serves children aged two to four at Hazel Grove in Bishop Auckland and forms part of the federation with Etherley Lane Primary School. Inspectors described early learning through conversation, stories, shared routines and exploration.

Ofsted’s inspection on 26 to 27 September 2023 judged the nursery school Good overall, with Outstanding behaviour and attitudes. Those judgements belong to the nursery school itself. Children’s willingness to share, listen and take responsibility gave the learning day its character at that inspection.

At the September 2023 inspection, group sessions introduced ideas that children could then try out through activities indoors and outside. Children practised counting to five together, then identified and counted twigs and pinecones in the woodland area. This connected an adult-led explanation with objects children could handle and investigate. Activities also gave children opportunities to use new vocabulary while pursuing their interests.

Stories and rhymes had a clear teaching purpose in September 2023. Direction and position words were taught through rhyme, while repeated reading helped children get to know familiar stories. Books could go home with children and parents, extending shared reading beyond the session. Learning also reached beyond the nursery: a farm visit helped children connect animal names and sounds with real experiences.

The curriculum described by inspectors broke learning into smaller steps and returned to ideas so that children could remember them. Adults checked children’s understanding and provided additional help when needed. Social learning sat alongside counting and language: children practised sharing, managing feelings, caring for animals and keeping themselves safe in the woodland area. Taking responsibility as a line leader gave a child a small, concrete role within the group.

Familiar routines helped children settle at the September 2023 inspection. Staff demonstrated the behaviour they expected, and children responded readily to adult instructions. The emphasis on respecting others and sharing resources supported participation in group activities as well as independent play.

At that inspection, additional help included individual work with staff and input from speech and language therapists. However, support was not prompt enough for some children with SEND in September 2023, and their plans lacked the detail needed to guide precise help. SEND support. The required improvement was clearer strategies, quicker implementation and regular review, because delays could hold back learning. Families with identified needs are asked to discuss them before starting so that support can be planned.

Safeguarding arrangements were effective in September 2023. The federation also collects emergency contacts, dietary requirements and health information before admission, making these details part of preparation for a child’s care.

Attending Etherley Lane Nursery does not guarantee a place in Etherley Lane Primary’s Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process; the admissions page directs parents to Durham County Council for primary applications.

Preparation for the next stage is a separate matter. In September 2023, children developed independence, confidence and the ability to manage their feelings. These are useful foundations for moving into a new classroom, rather than an admissions advantage.

For nursery admissions, telephone 01388 603105. Staff can help arrange a visit and assist with the application process, giving families a direct route to exploring the provision.

Before starting, provide the child’s health and dietary information and emergency contact details. Keep those details updated when circumstances change so that staff have the information needed to respond appropriately.