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Nursery at Delves Lane 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Saplings, Seedlings and Roots give this nursery three distinct session patterns: morning, afternoon or a day that includes lunch. Play combines activities guided by adults with choices children make themselves, indoors and outside. That gives families both a practical choice of hours and a picture of how learning happens.
The nursery belongs to Delves Lane Primary School in Consett and includes provision for two-year-olds. It forms part of the school’s early years provision. Ofsted’s June 2026 inspection judged early years to need attention, with language development and opportunities to practise learning the main concerns for parents to weigh.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move, manage feelings and build relationships, alongside early reading, number work, creative activities and exploring the world. Here, children alternate between adult-guided activities and play they choose. Staff observe their interactions and interests to help plan what comes next.
Books and poems, counting, exploring shapes, music, dance and role-play feature in the EYFS approach. Learning extends into the outdoor environment as well as indoor spaces. Flexible themes allow children’s interests to influence activities, while a termly newsletter helps parents connect with the learning at home.
There is an important distinction between the planned curriculum and how consistently it works. In June 2026, leaders had a suitable teaching plan that identified key stories and rhymes, but the vocabulary children should learn needed clearer planning. Staff training was being used unevenly, slowing vocabulary development for some children, especially those facing learning barriers.
Putting learning into practice. Opportunities to use early sound and number knowledge during play were too limited, and some resources did not help children practise those skills. Some children also had difficulty remembering recently taught information. When considering the nursery, look closely at how adults extend conversation and how play activities reinforce learning.
Care was a positive feature of the June 2026 early years findings: children’s everyday welfare was supported, relationships with adults and other children were positive, and independence and persistence were developing. Speech and language screening also identified children who needed additional help, followed by support for those needs.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school asks families to discuss identified needs before starting so that support can be planned. Its support process involves assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing progress. Parents take part in termly reviews of individual support plans, giving them a regular opportunity to discuss what is working.
Roots includes lunchtime. The school’s meal arrangements allow a consistent choice between a packed lunch and a meal supplied by Chartwells; changing that choice requires a week’s notice. Before a child starts, families provide information about allergies, dietary requirements, medication and other health needs, so these can be considered in care arrangements.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admissions process, following the applicable deadline. Delves Lane follows Durham County Council’s admissions policy and directs families to the council’s primary admissions process. Nursery eligibility also applies to children who will take their statutory education elsewhere.
Transition support is a separate matter from admission. For children with SEND moving between classes, teachers set aside time to share strategies and relevant resources with the next teacher. The school’s SEND transition arrangements may include extra classroom visits and planning with parents, helping children become familiar with a new class.
Saplings runs from 08:30 to 11:30, Seedlings from 12:15 to 15:15, and Roots from 08:30 to 15:15, including lunch. Nursery gates open at 08:30. These times help families judge which pattern fits their daily commitments.
Nursery enquiries can go to the school on 01207 503 984 or delveslaneprimary@durhamlearning.net. An NA1 Nursery Application Form is linked from the admissions page. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school, and a virtual tour covers the nursery and early years outdoor environments.
Saplings is the morning session, 08:30 to 11:30. Seedlings runs in the afternoon, 12:15 to 15:15. Roots covers 08:30 to 15:15 and includes lunch.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school follows Durham County Council’s admissions policy.
The EYFS approach combines activities guided by adults with children’s own play choices, indoors and outside. Activities include books, counting, music, dance and role-play.
The June 2026 early years findings describe screening for speech and language difficulties, with support for identified needs. Families should discuss existing SEND needs before their child starts so that help can be planned.
Contact the school by telephone on 01207 503 984 or email delveslaneprimary@durhamlearning.net to arrange a visit. The early years page also links to a virtual tour.
