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Nursery at The Grove 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A creative area children can return to throughout the day gives The Grove Primary School’s nursery a clear emphasis on making and exploring. It belongs to the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit in Consett, with nursery places offered from the term after a child turns three. Morning and afternoon sessions provide a regular pattern rather than occasional bookings.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 25 and 26 January 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children have both time to choose activities and teaching led by adults. The EYFS curriculum here includes creative expression, physical development and learning to get along with other children. In the creative area, materials change from day to day, giving children fresh opportunities to experiment. Directed art teaching adds opportunities to learn about artists and practise techniques.
Mathematics follows a mastery approach, with early years planning drawing on Development Matters and NCETM EYFS guidance. Counting games, construction and mathematical talk connect ideas to play, while adult teaching gives children explicit opportunities to explore mathematical language. In January 2023, early years staff explained mathematics clearly and demonstrated secure subject knowledge. Language teaching was also effective: adults introduced vocabulary through carefully planned activities, and children could concentrate on tasks for sustained periods.
Music brings singing, dancing and nursery rhymes into the day. Instruments and body percussion let children explore rhythm and changing sounds; role-play and small world play provide further ways to express ideas indoors and outdoors. Physical activity includes dough disco, active play and outdoor provision. Nursery PE takes place in the second half of the summer term, so its formal lesson pattern is seasonal.
Relationships were a strength of early years in January 2023. Children developed the ability to manage emotions and behaviour, formed friendships and had close relationships with staff. SCARF is used in early years to support personal, social and emotional learning through play, including talking about feelings and developing independence.
For additional needs, early years staff help identify concerns, and the school uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review process. Individual SEN Support Plans set out targets and provision, with parents involved in decisions. This gives families a defined process for discussing support and reviewing progress. The school also has a full-time pastoral support worker who works with children and families.
Food has a practical support role. Nursery children can attend Breakfast Club, funded by Greggs, where choices include fruit, toast, cereal and yoghurt. Across the school, Taylor Shaw prepares lunches on site and can adapt meals for special dietary or medical requirements.
Safeguarding records. The January 2023 inspection required the school to bring staff training and policy-understanding records together because fragmented records could allow staff to be missed during checks. This is a school-level concern relevant to families using its nursery.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Durham County Council’s normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
Transition activities serve a different purpose. New Reception starters have a parent information event and classroom visits during the summer term. The school’s SEND transition support can include social stories showing new surroundings and routines, extra classroom visits and meetings with staff or the SENDCo. These help children prepare for change; they do not secure admission.
Morning and afternoon nursery sessions each last three hours, with attendance expected for all five sessions each week. Eligible children can access 30-hour provision. The regular attendance requirement matters when fitting nursery around other care arrangements.
Breakfast Club starts at 08:00, using the main school gates. For nursery enquiries, telephone 01207 502938; completed application forms can be returned to nurseryadmissions@thegroveprimaryschool.co.uk. Families can also contact the school to arrange a visit.
Places are offered from the term after a child’s third birthday.
There are morning and afternoon sessions lasting three hours each, with attendance expected for five sessions per week. There is also 30-hour provision for eligible children.
No. Parents must apply separately to Durham County Council for Reception admission.
Yes. Breakfast Club is funded by Greggs, includes nursery children and starts at 08:00 via the main school gates.
Early years staff help identify concerns. The school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review and individual SEN Support Plans, involving parents in planning and reviewing support.
