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Nursery at Mount Pleasant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A memory bag turns past experiences into fresh conversation at Mount Pleasant: objects from earlier topics help children recall ideas and connect them with something new. This is a distinctive detail of its early years teaching. Little Learners caters for two-year-olds, alongside the Nursery class within the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Learning follows the EYFS curriculum, organised around seven areas of learning rather than the separate subjects children meet later. Books and experiences give children reasons to ask questions, express opinions and explain their learning. Language has a clear role in the day.
The memory bag gives that approach a physical focus. An object from a topic is kept and brought out again for discussion. A diva lamp, for example, can prompt children to remember Diwali when they later explore Chinese New Year, making connections around light, celebrations and culture. Revisiting an object gives children something concrete to talk about.
Early maths combines counting with recognising small quantities straight away, alongside work on patterns and spatial awareness. The emphasis is on understanding how quantities fit together, rather than simply reciting numbers.
In September 2022, early years teaching helped children acquire vocabulary, and reading difficulties received prompt support. Individual learning needs. Activities alongside adult-led teaching were not matched closely enough to each child's next steps, leaving some learning opportunities unused. For families, the useful distinction is between a planned group lesson and what their child practises afterwards.
The school's care structure places the class teacher and teaching assistant as the usual adults responding to children's needs. Home/School Mentors also provide parents with emotional support and help them connect with services such as School Nursing and Educational Welfare Officers. This gives families a further point of contact when difficulties extend beyond classroom learning.
For children with SEND, the school describes an approach involving early identification, work with families and collaboration with external specialists. Possible support includes communication sessions, small-group work and speech and language input from a specialist teaching assistant. These are options matched to need, rather than a package every child receives.
Before a child joins, families provide emergency contacts and information about dietary and health needs. Changes must be passed on. Across the school, there are three staff with paediatric first-aid training. Teachers also send a curriculum overview each half term, including ideas for extending learning at home.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Applications go through Darlington Borough Council's coordinated arrangements, using its Primary School Application (PSA). Where applications exceed places, the Trust applies oversubscription criteria. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are therefore separate decisions; a familiar school setting should not be treated as a secured place.
Nursery has a morning session from 8.45am to 11.45am and an afternoon session from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. These times are useful anchors for planning collection and the rest of the family day.
EYFS clothing includes black leggings or joggers, a white or red polo shirt, and a red school sweatshirt or school PE hoodie. Footwear is black trainers or plimsolls with slip-on or velcro fastenings, with no laces. Pre-loved uniform can be collected free from the school office.
Visits to EYFS can be arranged by contacting the school. For enquiries, call 01325 244 950 or email admin@mountpleasant.lingfieldtrust.org.uk.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process.
The morning session is 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon session is 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
Yes. Little Learners is the school's provision for two-year-olds within EYFS.
EYFS clothing includes black joggers or leggings, a red or white polo shirt and a red school sweatshirt or school PE hoodie. Black trainers or plimsolls should have velcro or slip-on fastenings, with no laces.
Yes. Contact the school to arrange an EYFS visit on 01325 244 950 or at admin@mountpleasant.lingfieldtrust.org.uk.
