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Nursery at Brandon Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play with a purpose shapes Brandon’s early years: seasonal craft develops finger control, while building a sleigh together exercises bigger muscles and cooperation. These were examples from December 2024, when Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Brandon Primary Academy has one nursery class within its early years provision, on Carr Avenue in Brandon, Durham. Nursery provision is offered for two-year-olds as well as children aged three and four. The nursery class has a teacher with an EYFS qualification; across the school’s two early years classes, five support staff hold teaching assistant or higher level teaching assistant roles.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives the nursery its curriculum framework. Brandon places particular emphasis on helping children communicate, develop physically and manage feelings and relationships. For parents, that means learning is about growing independence and interaction as well as acquiring knowledge.
The nursery aims to combine activities children choose with play introduced or guided by adults. Indoor and outdoor classrooms provide settings for imaginative play, investigation and problem-solving. Children’s choices have a place in the learning, alongside adult involvement that helps extend their thinking.
In December 2024, early years activities supported language, social development and independence. Children talked confidently about their learning and explored a classroom equipped with plentiful resources. Craft and collaborative construction made physical development part of the activity itself: small movements exercised finger control, while larger building tasks developed strength. These examples show how practical play can serve several learning purposes together.
Before a child starts, parents are asked to discuss identified special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) with the school, allowing support to be planned. The SEND coordinator and class teachers organise support, with teaching assistants helping children participate in learning. Support Plans are reviewed with parents at least once a term.
Communication includes Dojo messages and telephone calls, alongside opportunities to speak with staff. Parents of children with SEND take part in termly reviews, giving them a recurring opportunity to discuss progress and future targets. Before admission, families also supply health information, dietary requirements and allergy details so staff have the information needed for care.
Changing support needs. In December 2024, some pupils across the school experienced delays in having emerging or changing SEND needs addressed. Families whose children need support should use review meetings to discuss how changes will be recognised and acted on. This was a school-wide concern, rather than a nursery-specific finding.
Attending Brandon’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority’s normal admissions process. The route is Durham County Council’s Parent Portal, or a paper Common Application Form submitted to the local authority.
Transition is a separate matter. From June each year, children starting Reception can spend time with their future classmates and staff in their new classroom and try a school lunch. These experiences introduce the next stage’s people and routines; they do not secure admission.
Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon session runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Nursery lunchtime falls between 11.45am and 12.15pm. Provision includes 15-hour and 30-hour patterns. Eligible working parents of three- and four-year-olds can use the 30-hour provision across five days, from 8.45am to 3.15pm in term time.
Nursery requests go directly to the school office, where paper application forms can be collected. The early years lead or office team contacts families before their child starts. Enquiries can be made on 0191 378 0124 or at admin@brandonprimaryschool.co.uk. Adults must supervise children closely at the beginning and end of the day.
Brandon offers nursery provision for two-year-olds and for three- and four-year-olds.
Morning nursery is 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoon nursery is 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Lunchtime is 11.45am to 12.15pm.
Yes. The 30-hour provision is for eligible working parents of three- and four-year-olds, with attendance across five days from 8.45am to 3.15pm during term time.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the local authority, using Durham County Council’s Parent Portal or a paper Common Application Form.
Contact the school office directly. Paper application forms can be collected there, and the early years lead or office staff will contact families before their child starts.
