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Nursery at Sherburn 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Butterfly garden, a weekly Forest School session and a nursery space of its own give Caterpillar Nursery a day that moves between small-group learning and outdoor exploration. This is Sherburn Primary School’s provision for children from age three, with 15-hour and 30-hour places.
Children share registration with Reception before moving to their nursery space. That arrangement combines time with older early-years children and separate teaching, small-group tasks and independent play.
The session has a clear sequence: registration together, learning in the nursery’s own space, then snack time followed by shared play and learning with Reception. Children can choose and explore activities during this continuous provision, rather than spending the whole session on adult-directed tasks.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent language, learning includes children’s social development and growing independence alongside classroom activities. Teaching follows a pace suited to children’s abilities, with adjustments where needed. The nursery’s outdoor work gives this a practical form: den building develops language, problem-solving and taking turns, while minibeast searches and scavenger challenges introduce plants and animals.
Butterfly garden supplies a large outdoor learning space. On the school playground, scooters, bikes and trikes give children opportunities to practise larger movements. A session each week takes place in the Forest School area, where crafts use natural materials. Outdoor exploration is a regular part of the nursery timetable.
In January 2025, Ofsted described early-years learning built around a book of the week. One Snowy Night prompted children to cut out clothing for a character and discuss staying warm, linking hand control with an understanding of safety in cold weather.
The EYFS lead also holds the SENCO and Forest School lead roles, supported by teaching assistants trained in early years. This connects the nursery’s teaching team with the school’s coordination of additional needs. Snack time is part of the nursery routine and marks the point before children join shared provision.
At the January 2025 inspection, effective transition arrangements helped early-years children settle, and caring relationships supported their start at school. Children also became familiar with routines quickly, giving them a predictable basis for joining activities.
For children with SEND, parents are asked to discuss identified needs before their child starts, so support can be planned. The school’s process includes individual SEN Support Plans reviewed termly. Parents can discuss progress with the class teacher or SENCO and contribute through plan reviews and parents’ evenings. Support is therefore a continuing conversation, with opportunities to revisit what a child needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Sherburn directs parents to Durham County Council for primary admissions information; use that route for the Reception application.
Familiarity with Reception is a separate benefit of the nursery day. Shared registration and provision give children contact with the next stage before they move. The transition programme includes classroom visits, shared early-years trips and events, plus an induction evening for parents. Children starting Reception in September are invited to Moving Up Days in July, and additional transition can be tailored to individual needs. These arrangements support preparation, rather than securing admission.
Morning nursery sessions run from 9am to noon; afternoon sessions run from noon to 3pm. Children who turn three after the September start can join in the term following their third birthday. The two session windows give families a concrete basis for planning collection and other commitments.
Nursery applications use a form collected from the school office or downloaded from the website. Visits can also be arranged through the office. Contact the school on 0191 372 0281, or use its online contact form. The setting is on Cookshold Lane in Sherburn Village, Durham, DH6 1DU.
Places are offered from age three. Children who are not three at the September start can join in the term after they turn three.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, and afternoon sessions from noon to 3pm. The nursery offers 15-hour and 30-hour places.
Children use Butterfly garden and playground bikes, trikes and scooters. Their weekly Forest School session includes den building, minibeast hunts, scavenger challenges and crafts with natural materials.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school directs families to Durham County Council for primary admissions information.
Yes. Contact the school office to arrange a look around the nursery.
