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Nursery at Bearpark 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, trees and insects give Bearpark’s nursery day its character: stories and learning through movement and nature outdoors. The pre-school caters for children aged 2–4 within Bearpark Primary School on Colliery Road, Durham. The school lists 25 nursery children, a roll figure rather than a measure of available places.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 27 and 28 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Early reading starts in nursery, with phonics teaching alongside story time. In February 2024, children enjoyed stories and could remember key happenings in Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Staff used questions about the characters to draw out their understanding. For parents, this gives a concrete picture of early literacy: listening, remembering and talking about a story, alongside learning phonics.
Outdoor learning has a clear purpose. In February 2024, early years children used the outdoor area to practise small and larger movements that support writing. Nature supplied another strand of learning, with children talking eagerly about insects and different trees. The outdoor area therefore serves both physical development and opportunities to explore the natural world.
The school’s curriculum includes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, the practical examples make that framework tangible: developing movement, understanding stories and learning about the surroundings. In February 2024, early years learning was carefully planned, and children received calm reminders about listening and sitting. These routines help children take part in learning with others.
Additional needs are identified early. In February 2024, early years staff recognised children’s needs promptly and worked with outside agencies to tackle obstacles to development and learning. That matters for families whose child needs support from the beginning, rather than waiting until later schooling.
Before a child starts, parents are asked to discuss identified special educational needs or disabilities with the school so that support can be arranged. Advice may also come from the local authority or other agencies. Families can arrange an appointment to discuss SEND requirements in detail, giving them a direct route into planning their child’s support.
Care planning also involves information from home. Before admission, the school collects emergency contacts, health requirements and details of dietary preferences, requirements and allergies. It also asks about parental responsibility and legal contact with the child. Parents must update these details when they change, helping staff act on the right information.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its normal deadline. The school directs parents to Durham County Council for primary admissions information.
Keep the two applications distinct: pre-school applications go directly to the school office. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the early years experience itself, with Reception admission handled separately.
The school office handles pre-school applications, and parents can collect an application form there. For enquiries, telephone 0191 384 8958 or email bearpark@durhamlearning.net. The nursery is part of the school at Colliery Road, Bearpark, Durham, DH7 7AU.
Parents can also request paper copies or another format of the school’s documents through the office, free of charge. This gives families a practical way to read the relevant school information before applying.
The pre-school caters for children aged 2–4.
Examples include phonics, story time and outdoor learning. In February 2024, children recalled events in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and explored trees and insects outdoors.
Early years staff identified additional needs promptly in February 2024 and worked with external agencies. Parents are asked to discuss identified needs before their child starts so that support can be planned.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school directs families to Durham County Council for primary admissions information.
Apply directly through the school office, where you can collect a pre-school application form. Enquiries can be made by telephone on 0191 384 8958 or by email at bearpark@durhamlearning.net.
