Laurel Avenue Community Primary School Nursery

A bike track, a Bug Hotel and an art studio give Laurel Avenue’s nursery a character of its own. This school nursery in The Woodlands, Durham, takes children aged two, three and four, with two-year-olds starting in the term following their second birthday. Its private garden sits alongside access to the school’s field, yard and library, extending the spaces children can use beyond their nursery room.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 27 and 28 February 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision. Children were settling rapidly into daily routines, while regular opportunities to think about their feelings supported their personal development.

Learning has plenty of room here. The indoor nursery occupies space equivalent to two large classrooms, with its own kitchen, toilets and changing room. An art studio, construction area and role-play spaces support different kinds of activity. Sensory play, sand and water sit alongside coordination activities called funky fingers. Areas change with children’s interests, giving their enthusiasms a practical place in the day.

Outside, children can use balance bikes, scooters and trikes on the garden’s track. Digging areas, a mud kitchen and cascading water play provide opportunities to explore materials; science investigation spaces and the Bug Hotel add a focus for curiosity. Large boards give children space to make marks outdoors. These are concrete choices for children who enjoy learning through movement and handling things.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the nursery’s curriculum context. Here, its everyday expression includes play, developing coordination and learning to recognise feelings. Jigsaw provides a named programme for personal and social learning from Nursery onwards, with topics including Healthy Me and Celebrating Difference. Emotional learning is part of the day, rather than simply a response when a child becomes upset.

Before starting, families can attend a meeting together and children can visit the nursery. For children with identified special educational needs, the SENCO can coordinate extra visits, and additional meetings involving other agencies can be arranged. This gives families opportunities to discuss needs while their child becomes familiar with the setting.

A nursery teacher works alongside teaching assistants, including assistants assigned to two-year-olds. For that younger group, the nursery specifies one adult for every four children throughout their time there. The nursery’s SEND support also involves the local authority and Outreach Nursery Support providers, connecting classroom care with specialist advice.

Parent participation has a practical purpose. In February 2024, nursery come and play sessions helped families learn storytelling techniques and share learning materials. That creates links between nursery activities and what families can do together at home.

Food arrangements depend on attendance pattern. The split-week options described in the admission arrangements allow either a packed lunch or a school meal; the five-morning option excludes lunch. Families should check the meal arrangement attached to their chosen pattern and obtain current charges from the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Durham County Council’s online admissions process by the relevant deadline. The admission information gives mid-January as the closing period and directs families to the council’s application guidance for the exact date for their year.

Preparation for the move is a separate matter. Reception starters can attend a parent-and-child meeting, visit their future classroom during the summer term and join a school lunch with parents. Support Plans are passed to the next teacher, and a photo book can be arranged where a child needs additional help becoming familiar with a new setting.

The nursery timetable gives morning sessions as 9am to noon and afternoons as 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with five sessions in either pattern. Eligible children can attend full days from 9am to 3.30pm through the 30-hour provision. Admission information also describes split-week patterns, so agree the attendance pattern when arranging a place.

Three- and four-year-olds can access the 15-hour funded provision described by the nursery. Staff can help families check eligibility for Golden Ticket funding for two-year-olds or the 30-hour option for three- and four-year-olds. Nursery enquiries go to 0191 3868416 or laurelavenue@durhamlearning.net; application forms can be downloaded or obtained through the office. Visits can be arranged through the same route.