Dean Bank Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Stories, singing and playful mark-making give Dean Bank’s early years provision its character. The nursery belongs to Dean Bank Primary and Nursery School in Ferryhill, with funded provision for children aged three and four and a separate offer for eligible two-year-olds.

Ofsted’s inspection on 22 and 23 May 2024 judged early years provision Requires improvement, while describing children as happy and safe. That combination matters: children enjoyed interacting with adults, but the educational planning needed greater precision.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with developing independence and social skills. At Dean Bank, stories connect adult-directed activities with opportunities for children to explore their own ideas. Regular singing builds familiarity with nursery rhymes and fairy tales, giving language development a place beyond formal teaching.

Drawing Club brings children together briefly before they develop their ideas through drawing and creative exploration. Eight vocabulary words accompany each week’s story, with a movement attached to each to help recall. In art, children experiment with materials, make marks and use imagination and movement to create. Design technology also draws on Development Matters in EYFS: children make simple items connected to their topic and begin exploring cooking and nutrition.

Early mathematics encourages children to spot shapes, numbers and patterns and explain their discoveries. Technology activities combine adult guidance with exploration, introducing cause and effect and problem-solving. These are practical starting points for learning through doing.

Curriculum precision. In May 2024, early years planning lacked enough detail to make learning goals clear to staff, and adults missed chances to extend learning during play. Inspectors also found that the early years curriculum left children insufficiently prepared for the next stage of schooling. Letter formation also needed attention from Nursery onwards. For families, the important distinction is between the activities children experience and how deliberately adults use them to build skills.

EYFS teaching assistants form part of the staffing structure, including a role focused on fine and gross motor development. Regular early years activities develop fine motor skills. The school’s SEND provision also includes a Nurture Room with sensory toys and activities, giving children who need additional support another space to use.

For a child with special educational needs, starting arrangements can include adjustments to the length of the day where necessary or a home visit where appropriate. Parents discuss needs before the child starts, so support can be planned. Termly SEND meetings, half-termly coffee mornings and conversations with the class teacher or SENCO provide several ways to stay involved.

Class Dojo supports messages between teachers and parents, while class updates include photographs and learning information. Before admission, families provide dietary preferences, allergy information and health requirements. Wraparound care has menus covering food choices, alongside quieter activities and active play.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The school directs parents to Durham County Council for primary admissions; nursery attendance should not be treated as securing the next place.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEN moving between classes, arrangements include time with the next teacher, staff discussions about individual needs and additional visits where needed. A transition booklet supports familiarity over the holidays before a September start.

Fifteen funded hours are offered for nursery children aged three and four, with 30 hours for qualifying three-year-olds. Eligible two-year-olds can receive up to 15 hours, with Golden Ticket registration forms sent to eligible parents. Additional nursery sessions are limited and offered during term time; the office handles applications and discussions about family requirements and current charges.

Breakfast care begins at 8am, and after-school care finishes at 6pm. Wraparound activities include playground play, construction with Lego, creative work and a quiet area, allowing children choices around the extended day.

The school uniform combines a red polo with a navy cardigan or sweatshirt and dark trousers or a skirt. The Uniform Keep supplies pre-loved clothing, and a school badge is optional. Contact the office on 01740 651512 or email deanbank@durhamlearning.net for nursery enquiries.