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Nursery at Castleside 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Children’s ideas help shape the learning at Castleside: nursery children belong to Class One, a mixed nursery and Reception group where activities develop around their interests. The nursery is part of Castleside Primary School on Moorland Crescent in Consett. Shared class provision gives this nursery its school-based character.
Play, choice and exploration drive the early years approach. Class One follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with children contributing ideas to the activities planned for them. Topics can change as their interests take a different direction. That gives children a part in deciding what they investigate, rather than simply completing a fixed sequence of tasks.
The EYFS brings together seven learning areas. Communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships sit alongside early literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts. For parents, this means learning includes talking, moving and cooperating as well as developing familiarity with words and numbers. Activities are adapted around individual interests and needs.
Books are placed across the classroom, and familiar stories are revisited to help children become storytellers themselves. Families are encouraged to read together, sing rhymes and talk about everyday experiences. These are practical ways to connect learning at home with the classroom.
Creative areas extend indoors and outside. Children have daily opportunities to explore materials, combine them and experiment with texture, colour and design, making work on different scales. Talking about their creations adds a language purpose to the making. Outdoor experiences also form part of each day, giving exploration and active learning space beyond the classroom.
For children with SEND, starting school involves discussion with parents, and a home visit may be arranged before the child begins. This allows staff to get to know the child ahead of the change. The home visit is a possibility, rather than a routine promised to every family.
Physical development includes daily early years activities for both larger movements and finer hand control. Across the school, sensory support includes ear defenders, movement breaks and a sensory room. These arrangements provide different ways to respond to children who need help managing sensory demands.
SEND support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Individual plans are shared with parents and teachers, while the SENDCo coordinates assessment and support with families and staff. Adjustments may include visual timetables or extra processing time. The emphasis is on selecting support for the individual child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no attendance-based priority under the 2027/28 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through Durham Local Authority’s Common Application Form. For that primary admissions cycle, the closing date is 15 January. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
For children with SEND moving between classes, summer transition days provide time with the next teacher. Staff discuss children’s needs and share information with the SENDCo before the new school year. This preparation supports continuity of care; it does not change how Reception places are allocated.
Nursery enquiries can be made by calling 01207 508 237 or emailing enquiries@castlesideps.org.uk. The school address is Moorland Crescent, Consett, DH8 9RG.
Before a child starts, families provide emergency contacts, health information and details of dietary needs or allergies. Keep these details updated so staff have the information needed for the child’s care.
Yes. Nursery children are in Class One alongside Reception children.
Class One follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, with planning influenced by children’s interests and ideas.
Yes. Early years learning takes place indoors and outside, with outdoor experiences each day and creative areas in both spaces.
No. Attendance gives no nursery-based priority under the 2027/28 arrangements. A separate application is required through Durham Local Authority, with a primary closing date of 15 January.
Contact the school to arrange an appointment. The SENDCo works with parents and staff to assess needs and plan support.
