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Nursery at Durham Trinity School & Sports College
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication, choice and growing independence shape the approach surrounding Durham Trinity’s nursery provision. This is early education within a special school, where children’s learning is organised around their individual needs and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), rather than a single curriculum pace.
The nursery sits within Durham Trinity School & Sports College in Aykley Heads. The wider school serves children from age two with autism or moderate, severe, profound or complex learning difficulties, sometimes alongside medical, sensory or physical needs. That specialist context matters: planning starts with what a child needs to communicate, participate and develop.
Preparation for Life is the school’s curriculum framework. EHCP outcomes are divided into annual Steps to Success and personalised termly Learning Intentions, making larger developmental goals into smaller teaching priorities. Parents’ and professionals’ views contribute to that process. For a young child, the emphasis is on meaningful next steps rather than keeping pace with an age group.
Three pathways organise the wider provision: Pre-Formal Curriculum, Semi Formal Curriculum and Specialist Autistic Pathway. The pre-formal approach uses sensory and therapeutic activities to develop engagement and choice. Within the autism pathway, predictable surroundings with reduced stimulation accompany approaches including Attention Autism, TEACCH and SCERTS. The semi-formal approach connects communication and problem-solving with practical situations, using repetition to support learning.
Early reading follows readiness. Essential Letters and Sounds is the phonics programme, with preparatory activities for children who are not yet ready for phonics. Nursery learning also includes work-related role play and the All about me topic, connecting play with understanding oneself and other people’s roles.
The wider school’s physical resources include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room and soft play room. Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) supports development of the grounds and play resources. These are school facilities and approaches, rather than a prescribed nursery timetable.
Support extends beyond classroom teaching. Visiting professionals include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and a school nurse. Specialist referrals are discussed with parents and require their agreement, giving families a role in decisions about additional support.
Weduc is used for parent communication. Families are asked to notify school promptly about changes to medication, diagnoses and emergency contact details, helping staff keep essential care information up to date. At lunchtime, pupils remain on site and can have a school meal or bring food from home.
The safeguarding team can help with Early Help referrals and connect families with other services. Early Help is voluntary and involves an agreed plan, bringing the adults supporting a child together around that child’s needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the next placement as a separate admissions decision. Durham Trinity’s admissions are handled by the Local Authority’s SEN Placement and Provision Department, and all pupils attending the school have an EHCP. This specialist placement route is the relevant starting point for families considering their child’s next stage.
For placement enquiries, contact the Placement and Provision Team on 03000 265878. Families can also book a school tour, with time for questions, through the office on 0191 386 4612. A visit provides an opportunity to discuss how the school’s specialist approach relates to your child’s needs.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Durham Trinity’s admissions are managed through the Local Authority’s SEN Placement and Provision Department.
Preparation for Life links learning to EHCP outcomes, with personalised Learning Intentions and pathways suited to different needs.
Children start phonics when ready, using Essential Letters and Sounds. Preparatory activities come before phonics for children who need them.
The school uses Weduc for communication and asks families to keep medical and contact information up to date.
Yes. Contact the school office on 0191 386 4612 to book a tour and an opportunity to ask questions.
