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Nursery at Bowburn 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Penguins and Puffins give Bowburn’s nursery its own identity within the primary school. The nursery teacher also holds the school’s early years lead role, supported by nursery teaching assistants. That connects the nursery’s teaching team with early years leadership across the school.
Provision includes Play and Learn for eligible two-year-olds, alongside nursery places for three- and four-year-olds. For families, the distinction matters: the younger children’s funded places have eligibility conditions, while the part-time entitlement applies to all three- and four-year-olds.
Listening comes before decoding here. Little Wandle is the school’s early reading programme, and nursery children typically work through Phase 1. Its activities centre on rhythm, rhyme, environmental sounds and sounds made with the body and mouth, alongside recognising letters. The emphasis gives parents a concrete picture of early literacy: children practise hearing and making sounds before tackling the later phonics phases.
Across the school, curriculum priorities include Health, Community, Aspirations, Embrace and Resilience. Bowburn aims to make learning practical and connected to real experiences. The school grounds include a woodland area for exploring nature, giving the wider setting a physical connection to its outdoor learning ambitions.
Additional needs are best discussed before a child starts. Bowburn asks families to explain identified special educational needs and disabilities in advance, so staff can plan support and involve the local authority or other agencies where appropriate. This makes the initial conversation a practical opportunity to prepare for the child’s needs.
Emotional and social security is an explicit aim for both the school and nursery. A separate Nurture space in the grounds provides a quiet setting for small-group support; selected children attend allocated sessions. Children can speak with the nurture team and work at their own pace, making this a targeted provision rather than a routine part of every child’s day.
Fresh milk is offered at morning break and is free for children under five. Before admission, families provide information about allergies, dietary preferences and health requirements. Bowburn also operates a nut-free rule, which families need to follow when sending food into school.
Attending Bowburn’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Durham County Council process. Admission applications and decisions are handled by County Hall, so choosing the nursery and applying for school remain separate decisions.
The part-time nursery entitlement is 15 hours each week across 38 weeks of the year. Bowburn also offers places under the 30-hour entitlement for eligible three- and four-year-olds. Families using that entitlement must reconfirm eligibility every three months. Eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours a week during term time, starting in the term following their second birthday.
Nursery application forms can be collected from the school office or downloaded, with completed forms returned to the main office. For enquiries, contact 0191 377 0497 or admin@bowburnprimary.org.uk. The nursery is part of the school on Crowtrees Lane, Bowburn, DH6 5FP.
Provision includes eligible two-year-olds through Play and Learn, as well as three- and four-year-olds.
Nursery children typically follow Phase 1 within Little Wandle, focusing on listening, rhyme, rhythm and early letter recognition.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal Durham County Council admissions process.
The part-time offer is 15 hours weekly for 38 weeks. Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access the 30-hour entitlement, while eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours weekly in term time.
Contact the school before your child starts to discuss identified needs, allowing staff to plan support and seek advice from other agencies where appropriate.
