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Nursery at St Mary's Cockerton Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An 8.30am start and an 11.30am finish shape the nursery morning. Nursery provision forms part of St Mary's Cockerton Church of England Primary School on Newton Lane in Darlington, within a Church of England school setting.
In February 2023, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The morning runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, with a gradual start lasting until 8.45am. Afternoon sessions finish at 2.30pm. These nursery timings give families a different daily pattern from the older children's school day.
In February 2023, early years staff used reading aloud to develop children's understanding of words and stories. Books therefore served a purpose beyond practising reading: they helped build language.
For families whose children need additional help, the school office provides a route to the special educational needs and disability co-ordinator (SENDCO). This gives parents a clear contact for discussing support.
Learning support. In February 2023, some pupils across the school, especially those with education, health and care plans, received insufficient preparation or adaptation for lessons. Frustration sometimes interrupted their learning. Families with additional needs should keep this dated, school-wide concern in mind; it was not identified specifically as a nursery finding.
Safeguarding records. At the same inspection, the school's safeguarding arrangements were effective, but records sometimes omitted details of actions taken. Leaders were required to make recording more complete and consistent. This was a school-wide issue rather than a separate nursery judgement.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. In Darlington, school admissions are handled by the council's admissions team at the Town Hall. Treat the nursery choice and the later school-place application as separate decisions.
For enquiries, contact the school office on 01325 380758 or email office@stmaryscockerton.org.uk. Office support is available between 8.30am and 4.00pm; email and voicemail can take messages outside those hours.
Visits can be arranged through the office. A visit offers families an opportunity to discuss their child's needs alongside the nursery's session pattern before making their choice.
It starts at 8.30am and finishes at 11.30am. The gradual start ends at 8.45am.
The afternoon session ends at 2.30pm.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Darlington's council admissions team handles school applications.
Contact the school office to speak to the SENDCO.
Yes. Contact the school office to arrange a school visit and discuss the nursery.
