Ferryhill Station Primary School Nursery

Stories, exploring sounds and learning to dress for outdoor play give Ferryhill Station’s early years provision its character. It includes provision for two-year-olds alongside Nursery places allocated as children turn three. The staffing structure dated September 2023 groups both within Class 1, with Nursery in the morning and the two-year-old provision in the afternoon.

Ofsted graded early years provision Good following its visit on 4 and 5 October 2022. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum includes social learning and developing independence alongside classroom learning. In October 2022, children practised managing disagreements while making houses inspired by the three little pigs. Tidying activities and putting on outdoor clothing gave them practical responsibilities, making everyday routines part of their learning.

Books and sounds begin early. Children heard stories and started exploring sounds in Nursery in October 2022. The reading approach includes Read Write Inc, with nursery children encouraged to notice surrounding sounds and understand the connection between letters and spoken sounds. A Foundation Stage library lends picture books for families to share at home, extending story time beyond the session.

Language practice. In October 2022, children used less of their newly taught vocabulary during independent play than during activities led by adults. The early years environment needed changes to help children revisit those words through familiar routines. For parents, the distinction matters: hearing new language and confidently using it in play are separate steps.

Communication with families was effective in October 2022, and staff recognised promptly when children needed additional help. Those early conversations matter because support can begin while needs are being identified.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle. Individual SEN Support Plans set out needs, intended outcomes and provision. Parents contribute through discussions with the class teacher or SENCO, termly parent meetings and reviews of support plans, giving families several ways to shape and revisit support.

School catering is supplied by Chartwells. Its arrangements include working with parents whose children have medical dietary requirements. Before admission, families provide information about allergies, dietary preferences and health needs, so these details form part of preparation for a child’s care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application to Durham County Council; the school’s admissions guidance explicitly rules out automatic transfer.

For the September 2021 intake, the application route included Durham’s online parent portal and the deadline was 15 January 2021. That deadline belongs to a past admissions cycle. The practical distinction remains clear: choosing Nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions and processes.

The staffing timetable dated September 2023 gives Nursery hours of 8.45am to 11.45am, with two-year-old sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. These recorded sessions distinguish Nursery from two-year-old provision. Confirm current session times and days with the school before planning childcare. In October 2022, provision for two-year-olds amounted to 15 hours per week.

Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01740 651291. The school is on Chilton Lane, Ferryhill Station. This gives families a direct route to see the setting before choosing a place.