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Nursery at Staindrop CofE (Controlled) 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily stories, songs and rhymes give Staindrop’s early years provision a clear starting point: children enjoy language through activities that prepare them for phonics teaching in Reception. The pre-school belongs to Staindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School, where Christian faith shapes the approach to inclusion. Its Early Years Unit staffing includes a teacher, an early years practitioner and an apprentice.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 14 and 15 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school.
Songs, stories and rhymes are daily activities in early years. They give children repeated encounters with spoken language and prepare them for the next stage of learning to read. Responsibility starts early too: in November 2023, staff taught children to take responsibility for what they did. Learning here includes how children act together, as well as what they know.
The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum sits alongside opportunities to develop independence and social skills. For parents, this means the educational approach includes children learning to participate with others. Support can change the way an activity is presented: the school’s SEND arrangements include allowing extra thinking time, introducing vocabulary beforehand and using visual timetables. These are possible adaptations according to a child’s needs, rather than a fixed package for everyone.
Parents with concerns about special educational needs can approach their child’s teacher or discuss support with the SENCO. The school’s support process uses assess, plan, do and review: staff establish needs, agree the intended outcomes, put support into practice and check its impact. This gives families a way to discuss whether an intervention is helping.
Children on the SEND register have a review meeting each term. Parents contribute to decisions about outcomes and provision, with the SENCO potentially attending to provide extra support. Across the school, four teaching assistants are trained to provide SEN support; speech and language therapists and occupational therapists are among the external professionals who may be involved.
Food allergies are shared with kitchen staff and Chartwells so dietary requirements can be arranged. Families also provide health information and emergency contacts before their child starts. Physical access includes flat or ramped entrances and wide doorways across the school, useful details for families whose child has mobility needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal school admissions process, using Durham County Council’s route and meeting the applicable deadline.
Transition activities serve a different purpose: helping children become familiar with their next classroom and adults. The school describes a July Moving Up morning for children starting Reception in September, with half a day to meet staff and explore the early years provision. For children with SEND, additional classroom time or a personalised transition book may be arranged according to individual needs. These preparations do not secure admission.
Nursery enquiries can go to the school office at office@staindropce.co.uk or 01833 660 334. Parents should discuss identified additional needs before their child starts so support can be planned, with advice from other agencies where necessary.
Collection arrangements also require preparation: the school asks for full details of any additional adult authorised to collect a child. Keeping contact and health information up to date helps staff act on the right information when care is needed.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Durham County Council admissions route.
Early years children enjoy stories, rhymes and songs daily, helping prepare them for learning to read.
Speak to your child’s teacher or the SENCO. For children on the SEND register, termly meetings review progress and support.
Allergy information is shared with kitchen staff and Chartwells to arrange dietary requirements.
Email office@staindropce.co.uk or telephone the school office on 01833 660 334.
