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Nursery at Prince Bishops Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, practical play and separate rooms for younger and older nursery children give Prince Bishops its early years character. The nursery caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds within Prince Bishops Community Primary School on Gibson Street, Coundon Grange, Bishop Auckland. Its early years provision includes a room for two-year-olds and another for three-year-olds, giving the youngest children their own base.
Children normally join in the term following their third birthday; eligible children may start in the term following their second birthday. That distinction matters for families planning an earlier start.
Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines children's emotional development, conversation and movement with early reading, mathematics, understanding their surroundings and creative expression. In practice, that means stories and songs, exploring shapes and patterns, making art and using imagination. Learning opportunities are planned to build skills progressively, while adults observe children and use what they notice to shape the next steps.
Books have a deliberate place in this approach. Teachers share core texts selected for each nursery age group, and children also choose books themselves. Younger children practise making marks with materials including foam, crayons and sand. These give them ways to experiment before formal writing.
For the two-year-olds, reading also travels home: children select a book on Monday, families complete a reading record, and books return on Friday. The routine gives parents a concrete way to join in. Beyond the rooms, this group took a local park trip in July 2024 and walked to the local shop in March 2024, examples of learning extending into familiar surroundings.
Each child has a key person, usually their teacher or room leader, who supports settling, follows progress and works with the family. Parents can speak to them around session times, telephone or use Seesaw. Learning observations are shared through the app, so conversations can continue beyond the classroom. Nursery families have autumn and spring drop-in meetings, followed by a written summary or report in July. Children aged 24–36 months also receive a development check in their final term in the two-year-old room, identifying progress and any support needed.
Two-year-olds have snacks including fruit, vegetables, yoghurt, cheese and crackers, with milk and water accessible throughout the day. A voluntary snack contribution is requested. Children using nappies need their own nappies, wipes and sacks; everyone in this group brings spare clothes and shoes. Dummies can be used in limited circumstances, including when an upset child normally finds one comforting.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with parents involved in a SEN Support Plan. Early years learning can be adjusted to a child's abilities and pace. School staff have training in BLAST (Boosting Language, Auditory Skills and Talking) and NELI (Nuffield Early Language Intervention). Physical accessibility is practical too: the school building is on one level, entrances have no steps and there is an accessible toilet.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Durham County Council's normal process and meet the deadline for their entry year. Nursery entry is handled by the school; Reception allocation is a separate decision.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was midnight on 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed. Treat the Reception application as a separate task even while your child is settled in nursery.
For two-year-olds, morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Morning gates open at 8.35am and close at 8.45am; late arrivals use the main entrance. This makes punctuality part of planning the morning.
Eligible working parents may receive up to 30 funded hours each week, depending on employment, income and other eligibility factors. Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01388 451278 or princebishops@durhamlearning.net. Funded two-year-old applications can also be made through Durham County Council's Parent Portal.
The nursery caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Entry is normally in the term after a child's third birthday, with an earlier start after the second birthday for eligible children.
Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon sessions are 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
The key person shares observations through Seesaw and is available for conversations around session times. Nursery parents also have autumn and spring drop-in meetings and a written summary or report in July.
Bring a bag with spare clothes and shoes, with clothing labelled. If your child uses nappies, supply nappies, wipes and nappy sacks.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through Durham County Council and must meet the deadline for their child's entry year.
