Evenwood Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Shared learning space gives Evenwood’s nursery its defining character: nursery children and Reception children use the same early years unit and its provision areas. The nursery belongs to Evenwood Church of England Primary School on New Road in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland. Bowes Castle is the school’s EYFS class.

For a young child, that arrangement means familiarity with the setting and adults before the next stage of school. It is a practical connection between the two stages, while admission to Reception remains a separate decision.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Here, learning includes exploring materials, investigating the surroundings and developing independence alongside other children. Art has a physical base: early years children can use an art provision area daily, experimenting with techniques and materials. Outdoor learning extends that creative exploration beyond the indoor space.

An investigation station gives early years children daily opportunities to explore games both on and off screen, with introductions to using a mouse and keyboard. Learning about the world also starts close to home. Children compare places and examine features of their immediate surroundings; discussions about their own lives and families introduce the difference between past and present.

Emotional vocabulary has a named approach too. Through Zones of Regulation, early years children learn to recognise different emotions. This gives them words for feelings as well as things they can see and do. In October 2024, Ofsted found that nursery children paid attention to stories read by adults.

Starting nursery includes opportunities for families to share information with staff. An individual tour and an information event led by the EYFS lead and classroom assistants introduce routines, uniform, meals and outdoor visits. Transition arrangements can be tailored to a child’s needs, giving families a way to discuss the support required before starting.

The class teacher is the first contact for pastoral or social concerns. For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents can speak with the teacher or SENCO, attend termly meetings and take part in support-plan reviews. The school’s support arrangements include Makaton prompts and individual or small-group intervention where appropriate. Accessible toilets and ramps to all facilities address physical access as well as classroom participation.

Before a child starts, families provide information about allergies, dietary preferences and health requirements. Keeping those details updated supports the school’s care arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception process, returning applications to Admissions at County Hall. Forms become available from about October before the school year in which the child is due to start.

Shared provision offers continuity of surroundings, rather than an admissions entitlement. Summer-term sessions in the Reception classroom provide another opportunity to prepare. Children with additional needs can have extra visits or an earlier start to transition activities; classroom photographs to discuss at home are another possible support. These arrangements are tailored through discussion with families.

Visits can be booked through the school office. For nursery enquiries, telephone 01388 832 047 or email DEWOffice@oneexcellence.co.uk. The school is on New Road, Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, DL14 9QZ.

Nursery children must wear the Active Uniform. It combines a white polo shirt with a red cardigan, jumper or hoodie; black shorts or skorts in summer switch to black tracksuit bottoms in winter. Trainers must be black, with a white sole permitted. Logos on the polo shirt and red top are optional, giving families flexibility over those purchases.