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Nursery at Peases West Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning alongside Reception children gives this nursery its defining character. Peases West Academy’s nursery shares an early years unit with Reception, so younger children begin their school experience in a setting that already includes the next age group. The provision caters for two-year-olds as well as children aged three and four.
In Billy Row, Crook, this is the school’s own nursery. Its staffing structure includes a nursery EYFS teaching role and early years support staff. For families, the practical choice centres on morning or afternoon sessions, with a lunch club between them.
The timetable combines time in a learning base with activities undertaken independently and in groups of different sizes. That gives children different ways to participate: doing something for themselves, working with a few others or joining a larger group. Nursery and Reception children develop skills alongside one another within the EYFS unit.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the learning. Its starting points are children’s language and communication, their physical development, and their emotional and social development. In parent terms, learning involves how children communicate, move, build relationships and manage themselves, alongside early academic skills.
Mathematics and literacy sit alongside expressive arts and design and understanding the world. These learning areas are interconnected. The balance matters: early learning here covers relationships and physical development as well as words and numbers.
Outdoor time is part of nursery life, and wellies are recommended because children spend substantial time outside. Practical clothing matters too. The school’s active uniform is designed around movement, making everyday dress part of preparing children for outdoor learning and play.
Before a child starts, the EYFS lead or office team contacts the family. This provides an initial point of contact for the move into nursery.
Lunch can be part of the nursery arrangement. A lunch club bridges the sessions, and cooked meals are available. Food is prepared on site; menus run on a three-week cycle, with three main-course options and two dessert choices each day. Medical dietary needs can be catered for when supported by a medical practitioner.
For children with SEND, families are asked to discuss identified needs before starting so support can be planned. The school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with a SEN Support Plan describing provision and agreed outcomes. Parents participate in that process, with ongoing teacher or SENCO discussions and reviews providing opportunities to revisit support. Enhanced transition is arranged where needed for children with SEND, including when joining or changing class or phase.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Applications go to Durham County Council, using its Parent Portal or a Common Application Form submitted online or on paper.
Preparation for the next stage is a separate matter. Reception transition begins in June, with opportunities to spend time with future classmates and staff in the new classroom and to have a school lunch. These activities introduce the next stage’s people and routines; they do not secure admission.
Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon nursery runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Lunch club occupies the half-hour between them. The school offers 15 hours of free flexible entitlement and 30-hour provision for eligible children and families, alongside free Play and Learn places. Lunch club and cooked meals carry additional charges; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery requests go directly to the office, where paper application forms can be collected. Families can also arrange a visit through the office. Call 01388 762380 or email contact@peaseswestprimary.org.uk.
The active uniform includes black trainers, black bottoms, a white T-shirt and a black jumper or hoodie. Wellies are recommended for nursery children, and labelling clothing helps keep these everyday essentials identifiable.
There is provision for two-year-olds and for children aged three and four.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoon sessions from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Lunch club runs between them, from 11.45am to 12.15pm, with an additional charge.
Yes. Cooked meals are available, with an additional charge. Meals are prepared on site, and medical dietary requirements can be accommodated with support from a medical practitioner.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Durham County Council’s normal admissions process, by the applicable deadline.
Contact the school office directly. Paper nursery application forms can be collected there, and the office can arrange a visit. Call 01388 762380 or email contact@peaseswestprimary.org.uk.
