Silver Tree Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Puppets for the youngest children, a mud kitchen for outdoor exploration and stories woven through learning give Silver Tree’s nursery provision its character. It belongs to Silver Tree Primary School and Nursery on Durham Road in Ushaw Moor. Tiny Seeds Nursery provides for two-year-old children, alongside the school’s Nursery class.

Play and conversation shape the early years curriculum. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning directed by adults with activities children choose themselves. In parent terms, it brings together movement, communication and learning to manage feelings, alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and exploring the world. Teaching themes begin with selected books, while plans can change to follow children’s interests. Children have a say in what they explore.

Stories have concrete connections here. Oi Frog is a Nursery reading choice, and songs and repeated rhymes give children opportunities to practise language. Success for All Phonics is the named early reading programme across early years. Mathematical learning combines adult teaching with exploration, rather than relying on one kind of activity.

Indoors, the classroom has distinct activity areas. Outside, children use a sandpit and mud kitchen and take part in Forest School sessions; outdoor time continues in different weather conditions. These provide opportunities for physical and sensory play. Creative work also includes experimenting with materials, textures and colour.

For Tiny Seeds children, group activities use puppets and props alongside songs and stories to practise listening, speaking and taking turns. Movement activities finish the morning, with attention to both small and larger physical movements. The youngest children therefore have their own session rhythm.

Tiny Seeds has a provision lead supported by two other team members. For the Nursery class, the teaching role also carries responsibility for leading EYFS. This places nursery teaching within the school’s early years team.

Communication extends beyond conversations at school. Class Dojo lets families exchange experiences from home and engage with learning. Each half term, parents receive knowledge organisers explaining the learning and ways to support it. That gives home activities a connection to classroom themes.

SEND support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review: staff identify needs, plan support, put it into practice and review progress. A SEN Support Plan records provision and agreed outcomes, with parents involved. Families can discuss concerns with the class teacher or SENCO, including through termly parent meetings and support-plan reviews.

In December 2023, Ofsted identified early years as the stage where most children’s SEND needs were recognised, with parents contributing to support planning. Early years children also enjoyed playing and learning together. These findings concern children’s experiences and identification of needs, rather than a separate nursery grade.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Durham County Council’s school admissions process. The school handles nursery admission directly, so joining the nursery and applying for Reception are distinct steps.

Once a child has been allocated Silver Tree as their school, transition includes a home visit involving the Reception teacher and Pupil Welfare Officer. This gathers information about preferences and parental concerns. Classroom visits follow in July, then entry is phased in September. Familiarity is built in stages; these arrangements support the move after allocation and do not secure admission.

Nursery enquiries go directly to the school. Families can telephone 0191 373 0622 or email silvertree@durhamlearning.net. School tours can be arranged by calling or visiting the office, and include classrooms, the library, hall and grounds. A visit provides an opportunity to discuss your child’s needs before starting.