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Nursery at Shotley Bridge 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two age-group rooms give Shotley Bridge Preschool its shape: one for two- to three-year-olds, another for three- to four-year-olds. This governor-led provision belongs to Shotley Bridge Primary School and occupies the Lower School on Benfieldside Road. For families, that is the site to keep in mind when planning the nursery journey.
The admissions policy sets room limits at 10 younger children and 34 older children, linked to staffing and space, with scope for those limits to change. Children who take a place in the younger provision move into the older provision automatically when they turn three. That continuity applies within preschool; Reception admission is a separate matter.
A morning, an afternoon or a full day provides the basic session structure. Five mornings or five afternoons account for 15 hours; five full days account for 30. These are distinct weekly patterns, so families can match the length of the nursery day to the entitlement or additional hours they use.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The school's approach includes social development and growing independence alongside the curriculum, with activities adjusted to children's abilities. For children needing motor support in the early years, Dough Disco and Finger Gym provide named activities for practising smaller movements, alongside work on larger movements and coordination.
The wider school's support spaces include well-being rooms in each building and quieter outdoor areas on both sites. These give children who need help regulating their emotions or who find playground noise difficult somewhere calmer. In October 2023, Ofsted found that adults helped children across the early years rehearse their learning. That finding concerns the early years at that time, rather than a separate nursery judgement.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) starts with a conversation before joining. Parents are asked to explain identified needs so that support can be planned; the preschool policy provides for liaison with the local authority and Outreach Nursery Support Providers. This gives families a route to discuss provision before their child starts.
Across the school, support plans set individual targets and are reviewed each term with families. Practical adjustments can include visual prompts at group activities and adult help to model play. For children with SEND starting school, transition planning can include extra sessions accompanied by a familiar adult where needed. These are individual arrangements, rather than one settling schedule for every child.
Preschool attendance neither guarantees admission to Shotley Bridge Primary School's Reception nor gives an application an advantage. Parents must apply again through the local authority, which allocates Reception places. Durham County Council is the route for the primary admissions process: keep that application separate from the preschool booking.
Transition support addresses familiarity, not admission priority. The school's arrangements include a transition day, a booklet and opportunities to get to know new staff. Children with SEND moving between classes can have classroom visits built into their routine beforehand, giving them time to become familiar with the next environment.
Core sessions run from 9am to noon, noon to 3pm, or 9am to 3pm. Limited wraparound places extend care from 7.45am to 9am and from 3pm to 5pm. Book and pay for wraparound in advance through Arbor; taking additional hours is optional and does not affect the offer of a funded preschool place.
The policy includes 15-hour and 30-hour entitlement patterns, subject to eligibility, and an option to pay for additional hours. Parents using an entitlement code must keep it renewed. Ask the school for current charges. Booked sessions remain chargeable if a child is absent and cannot be transferred.
Use the age-specific online preschool application form. Places are confirmed in the preceding term, and joining the waiting list does not secure a place. For enquiries, telephone 01207 260 444 or email shotleybridgeprimary@durhamlearning.net.
There are separate provisions for two- to three-year-olds and three- to four-year-olds.
The policy gives five-morning, five-afternoon and five-full-day patterns: 9am to noon, noon to 3pm and 9am to 3pm respectively.
Yes. Places are limited, with care from 7.45am to 9am and from 3pm to 5pm. Advance booking and payment use Arbor.
No. It gives neither a guaranteed place nor an application advantage. A separate application must go to the local authority.
Contact the school before starting to discuss identified needs and planned support. The preschool policy includes liaison with the local authority and Outreach Nursery Support Providers.
