Hunwick Primary School Nursery

Chestnut Class brings nursery children and Reception children together in one Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit. That shared classroom is a defining feature of Hunwick’s nursery: children begin school life within a mixed early years group, rather than a separate nursery class.

Provision includes two-year-olds as well as children aged three and four. The nursery belongs to Hunwick Primary School on Church Lane in Hunwick. An enclosed outdoor area gives early years learning its own space outside.

Play, practical tasks and teaching led by adults all contribute to learning. The EYFS here combines early learning with the everyday work of making friends, gaining independence and becoming familiar with routines. Children encounter maths, literacy and phonics alongside opportunities to explore the world around them. For parents, the balance matters: learning includes both educational skills and the social habits of classroom life.

Chestnut Class makes room for imagination. Drama and dance sit alongside music and art, while imaginary play gives children another way to express ideas. Children can use the ongoing play and learning provision to pursue their interests; adults extend that learning with questions and problems to solve. Science, RE, geography and history contribute to their understanding of the world.

Outside, the enclosed early years area provides space for outdoor learning. Across the wider school grounds, a vegetable-growing poly tunnel and an environmental trail with a bog garden, bird hide and wildlife seating area add physical character to the setting. These are school features, rather than a promise that each forms part of every nursery session.

Starting nursery involves time with staff before the first regular day. New early years families are invited to induction afternoons in June or July. Stay & Play gives parents time to talk with the team and learn about the school day; another afternoon includes joining children for a school lunch. This gives families practical preparation as well as an introduction to the setting.

Meals are prepared on site. Nursery lunches are charged, with payment made ahead of time through Arbor; children may instead bring a packed lunch. Packed lunches must exclude fizzy drinks, nuts, chocolate bars and sweets. Early years children receive fruit each day, and Cool Milk provides school milk.

Support can be adjusted to individual needs. Visual prompts can make instructions easier to understand, while visual timetables help explain routines. Quiet spaces may support attention and listening. The early years team includes an EYFS lead and an apprentice; the school also has a SENCO. Parents can discuss concerns in person, by email or by telephone, and assessment outcomes are shared at termly consultations. Medical care plans are developed with families and the health professionals involved.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority’s normal process, submitting a Common Application Form online or on paper. Durham County Council’s Parent Portal is the online route. Familiarity with Chestnut Class should therefore be considered separately from securing a school place.

Preparation for changing classes includes summer-term visits accompanied by a member of staff. For children with SEND, extra visits, social stories and photograph-based transition booklets may be used where needed. These arrangements help children prepare for a different routine and give families material to discuss at home.

Nursery enquiries go directly to the school office, which supplies paper application forms. The EYFS lead or office team contacts families before their child starts. Free Play and Learn places are offered, alongside 30 hours of free childcare for eligible families.

School uniform includes a yellow polo shirt and a royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan. Generic alternatives to branded clothing are permitted. Contact the office on 01388 602150 or email admin@hunwickprimary.org.uk for nursery enquiries and current charges.

Wraparound care. The school’s breakfast and after-school childcare serves Reception through Year 6. Families choosing the nursery should plan around that age restriction.