Little Bumbles Nursery at St Augustine's Catholic Primary School

Communication and confidence are the starting points at Little Bumbles Nursery, which welcomes children from age 2 within St Augustine's Catholic Primary School in Darlington. The nursery aims to make early education a time of discovery and security, with children feeling included in the school community. Its emphasis is on those first learning experiences and relationships.

In July 2024, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Little Bumbles puts communication, growing confidence and early learning experiences at the centre of its aims. For a young child, that places expressing themselves and becoming comfortable with others alongside the beginnings of learning.

The wider school gained a new library in January 2026, intended to support children of all ages, including through shared stories with younger children. Forest and outdoor themes shape the space. The school aims for it to provide somewhere peaceful to read and discover ideas, giving books a physical home within school life.

Support for emerging developmental needs starts with listening. For early years children, the school undertakes to respond promptly to difficulties and take parents' concerns seriously. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) coordinates additional provision, and parents are informed when their child receives it. The aim is for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to participate alongside their peers.

Across the school, support follows a cycle of assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing its effect. Families contribute to identifying needs and agreeing goals. Where required, and with parental consent, staff may seek advice from Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists or Education Psychologists. This gives families a role in deciding what help their child receives.

Communication continues through termly meetings with families receiving SEND support, supplemented by half-termly reviews through Dojo or a phone call. Plans are adjusted following those discussions. Possible support includes visual timetables, Social Stories and Sensory Circuits, selected according to individual needs rather than offered as a fixed programme for every child.

Personal care also involves parents. Staff work with families on intimate care, with welfare and dignity as priorities. The school has wheelchair access throughout, disabled toilets and a changing room for additional personal care needs: concrete features relevant to families considering accessibility.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority's Common Application Form by 15 January 2027. Treat that deadline as a separate task, even when your child already attends Little Bumbles.

Transition support is a different matter. The school's arrangements include mornings or afternoons to meet the next teacher, with extended transition where needed. For children with SEND, handovers involve the family and both teachers, alongside written information. Those arrangements help carry knowledge of a child's needs forward; they do not change admission rights.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01325 380819 or email office@staugustines.bhcet.org.uk. The school is on Beechwood Avenue, Darlington, DL3 7HP.