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Nursery at Wolsingham 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Painting, pretend play and real-world experiences give Wolsingham’s nursery its character. Children can join from their third birthday, becoming part of Wolsingham Primary School’s early years provision. The emphasis is on language, independence and learning through exploration, with personal, social and emotional development forming a foundation for learning.
Nursery teachers and a nursery teaching assistant feature in the staffing structure. Before starting, children have two Stay and Play sessions with a parent or carer, giving families a first opportunity to become familiar with the nursery together.
Two three-hour sessions shape the day. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning is planned around children’s interests, starting points and next steps. In parent language, the emphasis is on exploring, talking, trying ideas and learning to solve problems. Progress journals track development, while assessments each half term guide the next phase of planning and additional support.
Creative work has concrete tools and techniques. Early years children explore charcoal, chalk and sponges, practise controlling a paintbrush and discover how colours combine. Dressing up and acting out stories with other children give them ways to use language through play. These activities take place both outside and indoors, so learning extends beyond table-based tasks.
Technology also begins with hands-on exploration. Toys with pulleys or knobs help children investigate how things work; cameras, torches and remote-control cars introduce choosing equipment for a purpose. The focus is on using and experimenting, rather than simply watching.
Experiences beyond school add another dimension. Nursery children have visited Consett Empire Theatre for Cinderella and explored Butterfly World and Preston Park, looking for caterpillars and learning about butterfly development. Christmas craft sessions have brought parents and grandparents into nursery to decorate cakes and make baubles. These are specific examples of shared experiences, rather than a fixed weekly programme.
In October 2021, Ofsted found that nursery children were introduced to letters when ready. The same inspection described early years number learning that explored concepts deeply, supporting understanding rather than rushing ahead.
Settling begins before the official start date. Families receive a letter shortly before their child turns three with the dates of the two Stay and Play tasters. Having a familiar adult alongside gives the child an opportunity to try nursery before attending independently.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school asks families to discuss identified needs before starting so support can be planned. Parents can contribute through conversations with the class teacher or SENCO, termly parent meetings and reviews of support plans. Individual SEN Support Plans bring together needs, intended outcomes and the provision to address them, giving families a defined basis for those discussions.
Care planning also includes information from parents about health needs, dietary preferences and food allergies. Families must keep these details updated, so staff have the information needed to respond to their child’s circumstances.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process, which is overseen by Durham County Council. Treat that application as a separate task from joining nursery and follow the deadline for the relevant intake.
Transition support is a different question from admission. The school’s SEND arrangements allow for extra time with a new teacher or in a new classroom, and a social story book to introduce unfamiliar routines. These measures respond to individual needs; they do not secure a place.
Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The 15-hour entitlement is organised as a daily three-hour session. Eligible parents can access 30-hour childcare, with limited places allocated in application order. That limit matters when planning childcare around work.
Use the Lydgate Lane entrance for collection after the morning session and drop-off before the afternoon session. Nursery applications go directly to the school, using its form, which can be returned by email, post or to the office. Visits before applying can be arranged through office staff. Contact the school on 01388 527 457 or at wolsinghamprimary@durhamlearning.net.
Children can join as soon as they turn three. Nursery applications are made directly to the school.
The morning session is 8.45am to 11.45am, and the afternoon session is 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
Before the official start, children are invited to two Stay and Play taster sessions with a parent or carer. Families receive the dates shortly before their child’s third birthday.
Yes, for eligible parents. Places are limited and allocated in application order; enquiries go through the school office.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process overseen by Durham County Council.
