St Michael's Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Shared learning spaces give this nursery its character: nursery and Reception children use the same areas within an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit. For a young child, that means the next classroom stage begins with familiar surroundings rather than an entirely new setting.

At St Michael's Church of England Primary School in Bishop Middleham, provision includes 15 places for two-year-olds, accessible from their second birthday, alongside the nursery class for three- and four-year-olds. The 15 places relate specifically to the youngest group. Morning, afternoon and full-day options give families different ways to organise attendance.

Practical exploration is a useful way to understand the EYFS here. Children encounter maths through everyday play, using objects and pictures to explore number and quantity. Indoors and outdoors, they sort, compare and count. These are concrete beginnings for ideas that can otherwise feel abstract.

Music has a daily place in early years provision, with songs, rhymes and opportunities for children to experiment for themselves. They encounter words such as pulse and rhythm. Art has a physical presence too: an EYFS art display area sits alongside a floor book recording work, giving children's creations a place in the learning environment.

In January 2024, Ofsted found that early years children sustained their attention, persevered through difficulties and discussed their learning with each other. One example involved children making play dough using supplied ingredients, while adults prompted their thinking with questions. The emphasis was on working things out. Stories, singing and rhymes also drew enthusiastic participation.

Personal development is woven into learning. Early years children use Zones of Regulation to recognise emotions, while circle time draws on stories and Picture News. Learning to take turns, form friendships and attend to personal hygiene sits alongside the more recognisable beginnings of reading and maths.

Starting arrangements include a staff-led individual tour and an information event involving the EYFS lead and classroom assistants. Families can discuss their child before the first sessions, and transition arrangements can be adapted to individual needs. The team structure includes an EYFS teacher, teaching assistant and apprentice, as well as staff assigned to the two-year-old provision.

Lunch can be a school meal or food brought from home. Families provide information about allergies, dietary preferences and health requirements before their child starts, making those details part of the initial care arrangements.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents are involved in identifying support and reviewing plans. Discussions with the class teacher or SENCO and regular plan reviews give families a route to raise concerns. Across the school premises, accessible toilets and ramped access support physical access. Class Dojo shares learning information and weekly timetables with parents, helping connect home with the child's day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admissions priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through Durham County Council's admissions service at County Hall, following the normal application timetable. Nursery attendance is not among the admission criteria; sibling attendance and distance from home are among those that apply.

Familiarity is a separate benefit. The shared EYFS provision helps children get to know spaces and staff, and summer-term Reception transition sessions provide preparation for the move. Children with additional needs can have tailored arrangements, including extra classroom visits or photographs to discuss at home. These support the transition itself and do not change admissions entitlement.

Two-year-olds attend mornings from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.20pm, or full days from 8.45am to 3.20pm. Nursery-class mornings run from 8.50am to 11.45am, with afternoons from 12.45pm to 3.20pm. EYFS drop-off uses the EYFS gates.

Term-time funded attendance for three- and four-year-olds covers 38 weeks. A 15-hour place normally means five mornings or five afternoons; up to 30 hours normally covers mornings and afternoons from Monday to Friday, subject to parental eligibility continuing. Paid sessions and wraparound care are also offered. Contact the school for current charges.

An active uniform is compulsory in nursery: blue tops, a white or blue polo shirt, navy bottoms and trainers are among the options. Visits can be booked by emailing StMichaels@oneexcellence.co.uk or calling 01740 651 482. Nursery applications go to the school office or the same email address.