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Nursery at Evergreen 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication, sensory exploration and learning at an individual pace shape the early years at Evergreen Primary School. The nursery belongs to a maintained special school in Bishop Auckland, where children can start from age 2. Provision is organised around special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) guiding their learning.
This is a nursery within a specialist school setting. The wider school supports children with complex learning needs, including profound and multiple learning difficulties, and associated communication, sensory or physical needs. That context matters: learning goals relate to the individual child’s development and support requirements.
Early years children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside Development Matters. In parent language, learning includes developing communication, movement and relationships, exploring the world, early mathematics and literacy, and creative expression. These areas give the day its educational shape, while individual needs determine the pace.
Mathematics has spaces for exploration indoors and outside, as well as planned early years activities. Children can investigate mathematical ideas through their own explorations. Across the school site, a sensory garden and three outdoor learning areas sit alongside a soft play room and two sensory rooms. These are school facilities rather than a description of a separate nursery suite.
Early reading begins with listening, attention and communication. Songs, rhymes and stories support those foundations; recognising environmental sounds and exploring rhythm are part of the preparation. When a child has developed the necessary skills, Read Write Inc introduces the relationship between sounds and letters. Teaching can happen individually or in groups, depending on the child.
Personal Learning Goals connect teaching to EHCP outcomes across communication, learning, emotional health and physical or sensory needs. They are reviewed each half-term. This gives families a concrete framework for discussing what their child is working towards.
Settling starts with an individual transition plan after a place has been offered. Staff may meet the child in their existing setting, and the child may spend time in their new class accompanied by familiar support staff. Parents discuss their priorities with a senior leader, allowing the handover to include the child’s routines and support needs.
A daily home-school book carries messages between families and staff. Termly meetings with teachers and shared learning journeys provide further opportunities to discuss development. The school also employs a Health and Home Support Assistant to help families, alongside a parent support group and training.
School-wide support includes speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Every classroom has a calm area, and classes use Zones of Regulation to help children recognise feelings and choose ways to regulate them. The building is on one level and accessible to wheelchair users; hoists are provided in areas including the hydrotherapy pool.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the next placement as a separate admissions question: Evergreen’s admissions come through SEN Placement and Provision at County Hall, with admission determined through the local authority’s EHCP process. Families should discuss the next stage with that team rather than assume nursery attendance secures it.
Within school, a communication passport accompanies each child between classes, carrying information and support strategies. Parents can meet the next teacher and classroom team. This supports continuity of care; it is distinct from the placement decision.
The school timetable runs from 8:50am to 2:50pm. Most pupils travel in local authority-arranged taxis or minibuses; others are brought by parents or carers.
Blue sweatshirts and yellow polo shirts are preferred, but the colours are optional and clothing does not need a school logo. Families can visit with or without their child for a tour and discussion. Contact the school on 01388 459721 or evergreen@durhamlearning.net; the placement team’s number is 03000 265878.
Evergreen is a maintained special school whose age range begins at 2. Pupils have EHCPs, and provision is personalised around their needs.
Children develop listening, attention and communication through stories, songs, rhymes and sound activities. Read Write Inc follows when they have the necessary preparatory skills.
After a place is offered, transition planning takes account of the child and family. It may include visits to the existing setting and time in the new class with familiar staff.
No. Evergreen’s placements are handled through SEN Placement and Provision at County Hall and the local authority’s EHCP process. Nursery attendance should not be treated as securing the next placement.
Yes. Parents can visit with or without their child, take a tour and ask questions. Contact the school on 01388 459721.
