Woodhouse Primary Academy Nursery

Early language and the small movements needed for drawing and writing give Woodhouse’s nursery its focus. Provision covers two-year-olds and children aged three and four, within Woodhouse Primary Academy on Walker Drive in Bishop Auckland. For families, this combines an early start in a school setting with a curriculum designed to build communication, attention and fine motor skills.

Listening, talking and early reading are deliberate curriculum priorities, alongside basic numeracy and physical development. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning into seven areas rather than separate school subjects. Communication and language, physical development, and expressive arts and design come together in art activities, giving children opportunities to develop their ideas and the movements needed to express them.

Little Wandle’s Foundations to Phonics Programme starts in Nursery. This gives early reading a named approach from the youngest stage, rather than leaving it as a general aspiration. Across early years, books sent home for shared enjoyment are intended for adults and children to read and discuss together.

Art learning combines activities children can return to with targeted challenges. Woodhouse aims to develop language through conversations about children’s own artwork and the work of others. The emphasis is on expression as well as making: children’s pictures become something to talk about.

A key person oversees developmental progress under the Trust’s early years arrangements, working with parents and the SENCO. Developmental checks include the age-two check and ongoing assessment, so emerging support needs can be considered early. Families are asked to discuss identified needs before their child starts, allowing support to be planned in advance.

For children needing additional help, Woodhouse uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review. A SEN Support Plan records the provision and agreed outcomes, with parents involved in the process. School arrangements include termly SEND review meetings, messaging and telephone contact. These give families scheduled opportunities to discuss progress as well as ways to raise concerns between meetings.

Food needs deserve the same early conversation. Chartwell’s prepares school meals on site, with two choices each day; medical dietary requirements can be accommodated when supported by a Medical Practitioner. Trust lunch arrangements prohibit nuts and allow agreed adaptations for medical, allergy or sensory needs. The school’s entrance door is accessible to wheelchair users, a useful physical detail for families considering access.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority process: complete the Common Application Form online or on paper and submit it to the local authority. Durham County Council’s parent portal is an application route.

For children with an Education, Health and Care Plan, a different admission and transfer process applies. Families must still submit the parental preference form used by Durham County Council when applying to a new school.

Nursery requests go directly to the school office, where paper application forms can be collected. The EYFS lead or office team contacts families before their child is due to begin. Contact the office on 01388 602885 or email admin@woodhouseprimary.org.uk.

Free Play and Learn spaces and 30 hours’ free childcare are offered to eligible families. Nursery provision outside funded entitlement may be charged. Associated extras, including meals, snacks, nappies, wipes and trips, must be voluntary when charged alongside a funded place; families may supply their own items instead. Refer to the school for current charges.

Nursery uniform is optional. Families choosing it can use a navy jumper or cardigan, a white or pale blue polo shirt and grey or black trousers or shorts. This leaves the uniform decision with parents.