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Nursery at Lanchester Endowed Parochial 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellies belong on the nursery kit list here. Children are encouraged to choose outdoor learning, while their activities combine personal interests with seasonal themes and books. This is a 52-place nursery attached to Lanchester Endowed Parochial Primary School, for children aged 3–4.
Entry begins in the term following a child's third birthday, with intakes in September, January and April. Families can choose patterns of shorter sessions or a combination of full days and a half day, subject to allocation. That choice matters when fitting nursery around family routines.
Play and adult guidance share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines activities children initiate themselves with teaching led by adults. Development Matters and Birth To 5 Matters guide the approach; seasonal themes and reading help shape activities, and staff develop themes using children's own interests. Children therefore have a say in what they explore.
Learning covers seven areas. Alongside language, movement and personal and social development, children explore mathematics, literacy, creative expression and the world around them. For parents, that means early learning extends beyond letters and numbers to how children communicate, move and relate to others.
Indoor learning spaces and an outside area support exploration. Adults allow children time to pursue their play and use their knowledge of each child to plan the next learning steps. A waterproof coat and wellies are required because outdoor access is encouraged. These are practical essentials for taking part, rather than optional extras.
In March 2024, Ofsted described nursery children exploring ways to split seven between two groups by positioning themselves on two pallets. The activity made number relationships physical: children worked together and represented the calculation with their own bodies.
Full-day children can bring lunch from home or eat a school meal. Meal payments use ParentPay, giving families a choice of how to handle lunchtime. Before a child starts, parents must supply information about allergies, dietary needs, health requirements and emergency contacts, and keep those details updated.
The team includes a nursery teacher and an EYFS leader with safeguarding responsibilities. For concerns about additional educational needs or disability, the class teacher is the first contact. A school SEND coordinator manages day-to-day provision, works with families and outside agencies, and holds the National Award for SEND Co-Ordination. This gives parents a clear route for discussing support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Families must make a separate application through County Durham's school admissions service. Oversubscription criteria put looked-after children first, alongside previously looked-after children whose care ended immediately with an order for adoption, residence, child arrangements or special guardianship. Next come very exceptional medical factors directly related to school placement, siblings already attending and expected to remain on roll at admission, then distance.
Apply separately through County Durham school admissions and confirm the deadline for your child's entry year. Keep this application separate from nursery booking. Visits are arranged for children preparing to start school, helping them become familiar with it before their first day; that preparation does not change admission entitlement.
The 15-hour choices are five mornings, five afternoons, Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday. Eligible families can also access 30 hours, following an eligibility check through Childcare Choices. Lunches and extra childcare hours may incur charges; contact the school for current charges.
Session timings. Morning hours are given as both 8.45–11.45am and 9.30am–12.30pm; afternoon hours as both 12.15–3.15pm and 12.30–3.30pm. A full-day session is also given as 9am–3pm. Confirm the applicable times before booking. Nursery wraparound care is offered every day, from 7.30–9.30am and 3.30–5.30pm.
Children can join the waiting list after turning two, using the nursery application form. The office contacts families in the preceding term; allocation follows age order, and existing attendance affects session availability. Enquiries go to school.office@lanchesterep.net or 01207 520436. Uniform includes a light blue polo and school jumper or cardigan, with grey pull-up jogging bottoms suitable for active play. Label clothing and footwear.
Children aged 3–4 attend, starting in the term after their third birthday. There are September, January and April intakes.
The 15-hour options cover five mornings, five afternoons or two full days with a Wednesday half day. Eligible families can also access 30 hours.
Yes, children staying for a full day can have a school meal or bring a packed lunch. School meal payments use ParentPay.
No. It gives neither a guaranteed place nor admission priority. A separate application through County Durham school admissions is required.
A school jumper or cardigan and light blue polo are part of the uniform. Grey pull-up jogging bottoms suit active play. Bring a waterproof coat and wellies, and label clothing and footwear.
