Crook Primary School Nursery

Rain is part of the play at Crook Primary School’s nursery. In May 2023, Ofsted described nursery children playing and learning together maturely, including enjoying wet weather outdoors. That gives this school nursery a specific character: shared play and outdoor experiences feature in children’s learning.

The provision belongs to Crook Primary School on Croft Avenue in Crook. Families can choose a morning session, an afternoon session or the longer pattern labelled 30 hours. The practical distinction matters: a short session and a day spanning morning and afternoon create different routines for children and parents.

Playing alongside other children is the clearest picture of nursery learning here. The May 2023 observations show children taking part together, with outdoor play continuing in the rain. For parents, the useful detail is the combination of social learning and time outside, rather than a day described solely through classroom tasks.

Confidence, independence and respect are the school’s stated priorities for its early years children. These give families a clear sense of the intended direction: learning to do things for themselves sits alongside learning how to relate to other people. Communication is another school curriculum priority, with an emphasis on giving children opportunities to express themselves confidently.

In May 2023, adults were identifying additional needs promptly, including in the early years. For a child who needs extra help, early recognition matters because it allows support needs to be addressed at the beginning of their education.

Parents are asked to discuss identified needs before their child starts, so that support and intervention can be planned. The school’s special educational needs coordinator works with families and outside agencies, advises teachers on staged support and oversees records. Families can contact the SEND team at sen@crookprimaryschool.org.uk; the office can also arrange a conversation with the coordinator.

Food has a concrete place in the school’s morning routine. Through Magic Breakfast, the school provides a classroom bagel to all children attending in the morning. This is a specific breakfast provision for families to factor into their child’s routine.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Crook Primary follows Durham Local Authority’s admissions policy, and the route is through Durham County Council’s School Admissions service.

Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan follow a different admissions and transfer process. The school’s guidance asks families to complete the council’s parental preference form as part of that process. This distinction matters when planning the move from nursery into school.

Morning nursery runs from 8:50am to 11:50am; the afternoon session runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The 30 hours pattern runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. Use these nursery times when planning collection, as they differ from the main school day.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01388 762400 or email admin@crookprimaryschool.org.uk. The same office provides a route to the SEND coordinator, keeping practical questions and discussions about additional support within the school’s contact structure.