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Nursery at Middlestone Moor 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Talk, movement and play shape the early years offer at Middlestone Moor Academy, with Voice 21 giving spoken communication a named place in the curriculum. Nursery provision covers two-year-olds as well as children aged three and four, within the primary school on Rock Road.
Care and teaching need separate consideration here. In February 2026, Ofsted judged early years as Needs attention, while describing nursery children as happy, safe and well looked after. The early years surroundings were light and roomy. For families, that combines reassuring care with a clear need to examine how learning is supported.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and emotional development with early maths, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. Children have opportunities to choose their own activities, take part in activities introduced by adults and work directly with an adult. That gives play and guided learning distinct roles in the day.
Movement starts early: Danny Go routines develop control of larger movements, while Letter Join activities work on movement and letter formation. Daily singing and stories sit alongside play. Weekly Move with Max sessions add another physical development programme. Indoor and outdoor learning, including Forest Schools sessions, give children different settings in which to explore.
Voice 21 centres on vocabulary and spoken communication, with Makaton among the approaches intended to help children express themselves. These are useful priorities, but implementation matters. In February 2026, activities did not reliably extend children's learning, and some tasks lacked a clear learning purpose, leaving children disengaged. Attention to sounds and communication was inconsistent, and adult conversation sometimes did too little to develop language. Improvements had begun and were showing initial benefits. The practical question for families is how adults turn an activity into purposeful learning for their child.
The school allocates a key worker when children join, with responsibility for following learning, emotional and social development and building relationships with home. Photographs on SeeSaw provide another connection with children's learning. Younger pupils receive fruit daily, and children can access water.
For children needing extra help, the SENCO coordinates support with teaching staff. Individual SEN Support Plans follow a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review; parents contribute to the process and discuss support each term. Identified needs should be discussed before starting so support can be prepared.
There is a material qualification: in February 2026, staff training had not secured consistent engagement in learning for children in early years. Established routines also needed more effective follow-through when children did not follow them. These concerns sit alongside the positive nursery care findings and deserve attention when considering support for an individual child.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process, completing a Common Application Form for the local authority, with Durham County Council's Parent Portal providing an online route. Keep that application separate from nursery enrolment.
Transition preparation has a different purpose. Reception transition arrangements begin in July, allowing children to spend time with their future classmates and staff in their new classroom. The focus is familiarity and settling into the next stage; these activities do not secure admission.
Nursery requests go directly to the school office, where paper application forms can be collected. Before a child starts, the EYFS lead or office team contacts the family. Eligible families can access free Play and Learn places or 30 hours of free childcare.
Visits can be arranged through the office. Contact 01388 816351 or contact@middlestonemoorprimary.org.uk; the school is on Rock Road, Middlestone Moor, Spennymoor, DL16 7DA. This gives families a direct route to begin the nursery application and arrange a visit.
There is provision for two-year-olds and for children aged three and four.
Early years was judged Needs attention in February 2026. Learning activities, communication and responses to children not following routines needed improvement, while nursery children were safe, happy and well cared for.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the local authority, using the Common Application Form. Durham County Council's Parent Portal provides an online application route.
Free Play and Learn places and 30 hours of free childcare are offered to eligible families.
Contact the school office on 01388 816351 or email contact@middlestonemoorprimary.org.uk. Nursery application forms can be collected from the office, which also arranges visits.
