Cleves Cross Nursery Review

Daily stories, songs and conversation give Cleves Cross’s early years provision a clear emphasis on language. The nursery belongs to Cleves Cross Primary and Nursery School Academy in Ferryhill, where the school’s age range begins at three. It is part of the school, rather than a separate nursery setting.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 24 and 25 September 2024. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines early reading, mathematics and writing with activities that develop children’s language. In September 2024, adults used their interactions with children effectively to build speech and language skills. For parents, the significant feature is that learning happens through conversation as well as through the activities themselves.

Stories have a daily place, alongside songs and rhymes. These give children repeated opportunities to hear language and enjoy books. During September 2024, children concentrated on their activities and showed resilience; the carefully chosen learning tasks prepared them well for the next stage of education.

Indoors, the EYFS learning space was stimulating and organised effectively. Outdoors needed more development: in September 2024, children gained less from that part of the curriculum. This is a meaningful consideration for families who value outdoor learning, rather than a minor detail about the surroundings.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school’s arrangements involve parents in identifying needs and reviewing support. Conversations with the class teacher or SEND coordinator sit alongside termly parent meetings. Families can also make an appointment to discuss concerns, giving them a route to raise questions between scheduled reviews.

A My Story document can be used when a Supported Planning Document is created. It brings together the family’s account of what helps, what is difficult and what they want their child to achieve. Where appropriate, support also draws on Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. These are school arrangements, with provision matched to individual needs.

Family participation has included a nursery stage performance followed by a stay-and-play morning. That provides a concrete example of parents sharing nursery experiences with their children.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The school follows the local authority procedure, with the application route through Durham County Council.

Transition support for children with identified needs is a separate matter. Where appropriate, meetings bring together parents, staff from both settings and support agencies, and an individual transition plan is offered. This allows a child’s support needs to be considered during the move; it does not secure admission.

For nursery enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the school on 01740 651599 or email clevescross@durhamlearning.net. Visits can be arranged by appointment. This gives families an opportunity to look around and discuss their child’s needs before choosing the nursery.