Croft Church of England Primary School Nursery

A bear and a book to take home, and play with adult support: these were features of Croft's early years provision in May 2022. A climbing frame was also installed in Croft's Early Years outdoor area. This is the nursery within Croft Church of England Primary School, on South Parade in Croft-on-Tees. The school's age range starts at three.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 24 and 25 May 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection. The useful detail for parents is the combination of established routines, relationships with staff and opportunities to join children in their learning.

Play and books give the clearest picture of the early years day. In May 2022, children had periods of learning through play, with adults helping children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) participate. For a child who needs help joining an activity, that means support within the play itself.

The Star of the Day took a bear and a book home to enjoy with their family. It gave shared reading a concrete companion and connected learning with time at home. Daily storytelling also featured, with teachers choosing titles from a book list suited to each class's age. Books were part of the routine.

Digital devices were used for learning from the early years onwards in May 2022. They sat alongside the play and reading described here, adding another way for children to engage with learning. Outdoors, a climbing frame was installed in Croft's Early Years outdoor area, providing a physical feature for active play.

Curriculum development. The May 2022 inspection asked leaders to clarify the essential knowledge in some foundation subjects and ensure learning built on children's existing knowledge from Nursery onwards. For families, the relevant issue is how early learning connects with later teaching, as well as what happens in an individual activity.

Relationships were a strength of the early years provision in May 2022: staff formed positive connections with children promptly, alongside clear routines. Those are useful foundations for becoming comfortable with adults and understanding the shape of a session. Children with SEND received adult help during play, making participation a practical part of care.

Parents had two ways to engage with early years learning in May 2022. A digital platform supported communication with families, while stay and play sessions took place every half term. These sessions let parents observe teaching and experience the learning environment, giving them a closer understanding of their child's activities.

Attending Croft's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. Submit the Reception application by the normal deadline; choosing the nursery is a separate decision from securing a school place.

The school address is South Parade, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2SP. Parents can telephone the school on 01325720528 for nursery enquiries.