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Nursery at St. George's Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud-kitchen experiments, growing plants and conversations about discoveries give this nursery a practical character. It belongs to St. George's Church of England Academy in Middleton St George, with entry from the term after a child's third birthday, subject to a place being available. The intended intake is up to 31 children per academic year.
A qualified teacher leads the 30-hour provision. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 15 and 16 February 2023; this is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Three-hour sessions or a six-hour day provide the basic rhythm. Within that time, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through play with adult support. Language, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships form its starting points, alongside mathematics, literacy, creative work and understanding the world. Activities can follow children's interests, giving their questions a place in the learning.
Exploring time has tangible things to investigate. The water tray invites experiments with sinking and floating; the construction area brings different materials into junk modelling. A growing area and mud kitchen introduce plants, herbs, stones and minibeasts. These turn abstract ideas about materials and living things into experiences children can handle and discuss.
Science includes asking why things happen and predicting what might happen next. For three- and four-year-olds, planting seeds and caring for plants sit alongside exploring materials through their senses. Short adult-led activities complement exploration. In February 2023, nursery children counted confidently to 10, with many going further. Early mathematics had frequent opportunities for practice, while children also developed responsibility for themselves and the equipment they used.
Preparation for starting includes resources to help children recognise staff and surroundings. Families can arrange a Foundation Stage visit before their child starts, and books such as Maisy Goes to Nursery and The Kissing Hand offer a way to talk together about the change. This gives parents something concrete to share beforehand.
Adults responded to children's needs in February 2023, and children enjoyed telling them their news. For additional needs, the school's Assess, Plan, Do, Review process identifies support, puts it into practice and checks its effect. Parents contribute to planning; an EYFS and Key Stage 1 SEND coordinator provides a contact through the school office. Class Dojo, email and telephone are among the school's SEND communication routes.
Full-day children may bring a packed lunch or have a charged school lunch. Lunchtime supervision carries an additional charge outside the 30-hour funding, so the meal choice and supervision both matter when planning a full day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority's common application form, returning it by 15 January 2027. Attending the school's Early Years Unit does not remove that requirement.
For children with SEND, moving class is discussed with families at the summer-term review. Additional visits can be arranged when needed, with discussions involving new staff. That preparation supports the change of classroom; it is separate from the allocation of a place.
Morning nursery runs from 9am to noon, and afternoon nursery from noon to 3pm. The application choices are five morning sessions or five afternoon sessions for the 15-hour entitlement, or up to 30 hours. Eligible families can use the full-day provision from 9am to 3pm. Their funding code must be reconfirmed with school every three months.
Universal funding for three- and four-year-olds begins in the term after the third birthday, with the hours usually taken across 38 weeks. Additional sessions are charged. Meals, consumables such as nappies and sun cream, extra hours and activities fall outside the 30-hour offer; payment for additions cannot be a condition of accepting that funded place. Ask the school for current charges. ParentPay handles payment for booked lunches and non-statutory sessions.
A charged extension runs from 3pm to 3.30pm. Late collection can incur a charge, and withdrawal requires one month's notice and payment. For enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the office on 01325 332230 or dsgadmin@stgeorges-darlington.co.uk.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday if a place is available.
The choices are five morning sessions from 9am to noon, five afternoon sessions from noon to 3pm, or up to 30 hours. Eligible families can attend from 9am to 3pm.
No. For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives no priority and does not guarantee a place. Apply separately through your home local authority by 15 January 2027.
Yes, full-day children can bring a packed lunch or have a charged school lunch. Lunchtime supervision is charged separately from the 30-hour funding.
Contact the school office on 01325 332230 or email dsgadmin@stgeorges-darlington.co.uk. Families can arrange to see the Foundation Stage before their child starts.
