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Nursery at Skerne Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Child-led play gives Skerne Park Academy’s nursery its character: children explore their interests, work through problems and practise communicating with one another. The school aims to build independence and the confidence to attempt something challenging. Curiosity leads the learning.
Provision includes children aged two alongside nursery places for three- and four-year-olds. It forms part of Skerne Park Academy in The Coleridge Centre, Darlington. The school building has one storey, with step-free routes to the building and wheelchair access through classroom doors, useful practical features for families with mobility needs.
At the Ofsted inspection on 18 and 19 June 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Exploration and purposeful play shape the early years approach. Children use play to try out ideas, solve difficulties and practise cooperation. The school aims for children to persevere and become increasingly independent, giving learning a practical purpose beyond completing an adult’s task.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children’s learning and development. Here, the emphasis includes language, relationships and independence. In June 2024, children developed independence successfully, related positively to one another and followed established routines. Vocabulary received close attention, and the learning and play environment stimulated children’s interest.
Jigsaw gives personal, social and health learning a named structure. Nursery children follow the same half-term themes as the rest of the school, with teaching adapted to their age. Themes include Healthy Me and Celebrating Difference. Lessons begin with breathing and reflection on feelings, giving children a practical way to pause and recognise their emotions.
Language preparation also has a distinct place in EYFS. Activities from launchpad precede phonics teaching, while assessment can lead to Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) support. These arrangements put attention on the language skills children need before progressing with reading.
Before starting, families can attend a free nursery taster session. This provides an opportunity to experience the setting before taking up a place. The EYFS lead or office team contacts families ahead of their child’s start.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), parents are asked to discuss identified needs before entry so that support can be planned. Across the trust’s early years provision, a key person is expected to monitor development in partnership with parents and the special educational needs coordinator. At school level, families can discuss concerns with the class teacher or SEND coordinator, and SEND Support Plans are reviewed termly. That creates regular opportunities to reconsider support as needs change.
Food arrangements include a requirement for families to share allergies and dietary needs. Packed lunches must exclude nuts and nut products; water is the preferred drink. Adjustments can be agreed for medical conditions, allergies or sensory eating difficulties, so individual needs should be part of the conversation before a child starts.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority’s normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The route is a Common Application Form, submitted online or on paper to the local authority; online applications use the Darlington Borough Council Parent Portal.
Preparation for change also appears within Jigsaw: themes later in the school year address transitions and change. This is learning about the next step, separate from the application that determines a school place.
Nursery enquiries and application forms go through the school office. Call 01325 380831 or email admissions@skernepark.org.uk. Intake terms are September, January and May.
Funding depends on eligibility. The nursery offers free Play and Learn places and 30 hours of childcare for eligible families. Families eligible for 30 hours must provide their code to the office for validation and renew it online every 12 weeks. For three-year-olds, a place can begin on their birthday with an additional charge, or from the following term with possible funding. Contact the school for current charges.
There is provision for two-year-olds and nursery provision for three- and four-year-olds.
Free taster sessions are offered to prospective applicants. Enquiries go through the school office.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority’s normal admissions process.
Free Play and Learn places and 30 hours of childcare are offered to eligible families. A 30-hour code must be validated by the office and renewed online every 12 weeks.
Discuss identified needs with the school before your child starts. Support can then be planned, with advice from the local authority or other agencies where needed.
