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Nursery at Willington 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play indoors and outdoors, with a choice between shorter sessions and longer days: that is the shape of nursery life at Willington Primary School. On Chapel Street in Willington, the school's own nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds. Capacity is up to 52 children across its sessions, rather than 52 attending together.
The distinction between a nursery place and a school place matters here. This is early education within the primary school, with its own attendance patterns and a separate application when children move on to Reception.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning around young children's development. Language, movement and emotional and social development come first; these support later work in maths, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Activities follow children's interests and individual needs, so the curriculum allows staff to adapt what children do.
Indoor learning areas and outdoor space both form part of the provision. Children learn through active play, exploration and thinking creatively, rather than following a timetable of school subjects. The 15-hour pattern can mean five morning or afternoon sessions, or two and a half days incorporating lunch. Those options give families a choice between shorter visits and spending longer stretches in nursery.
Learning environment. At the inspection on 4 and 5 October 2023, Ofsted identified weaknesses in the organisation of the early years space and the resources provided. Opportunities for exploration, conversation and learning were restricted, affecting some children's independence and the knowledge they acquired. This is a material consideration for parents assessing how children can choose activities and use resources for themselves.
Settling begins with conversations between parents and staff about the child, including any special educational needs. For children coming from another setting, staff liaise with its key worker or SENCO and aim to visit. That gives the nursery information about familiar routines and support before the child starts.
A nursery visit is offered to children and parents before starting. Where individual needs call for it, extra visits and initially shorter sessions can help children adjust. Lunch is included in the example of a two-and-a-half-day attendance pattern, keeping that part of the day within the nursery setting.
For families of children with SEND, the school's communication arrangements include discussions with the teacher or SENCO, reviews of support plans and direct messages through Class Dojo. These provide ways to share concerns and review support together. Parents can also arrange an appointment to discuss their child's needs before joining.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's intake. The school's admissions guidance explicitly rules out automatic transfer, so nursery attendance should never be treated as a reserved school place.
Transition support is a different matter. Staff work across nursery and Reception, helping children become familiar with adults they may later meet. During the summer term, nursery children visit the Reception classroom at different points in the day and join shared activities, including activities led by teachers. The transition programme is adapted to the incoming children's needs; additional visits and parent discussions can be arranged where needed.
The funded offer described by the school is 15 hours across 38 weeks for three- and four-year-olds, with a further 15 hours for eligible families where space permits. Eligible two-year-olds can access term-time Free Play and Learn provision. The 30-hour placement pattern runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, during term time.
A separate nursery timetable gives 8:45am to 3pm, with the nursery door used for both entry and collection. These two start times should be checked against the attendance pattern being booked.
Applications use an NA1 form, returned to school or emailed to willington@durhamlearning.net. Families can arrange a nursery visit through the office on 01388 746414 or by email. For the additional funded hours, the school requires an eligibility code, National Insurance number and evidence of the child's date of birth.
Three- and four-year-olds, with Free Play and Learn places for eligible two-year-olds from the term after their second birthday.
The school's examples are five morning or afternoon sessions, or two and a half days including lunch.
Children and parents are offered a visit before starting. Additional visits and shorter initial sessions may be arranged according to the child's needs.
No. There is no automatic transfer. Parents must apply separately for a Reception place through the normal admissions process.
Return an NA1 application form to school or email willington@durhamlearning.net. Contact the office on 01388 746414 or by email to arrange a visit.
