Nursery at Chollerton Church of England Aided First School

Creative exploration gives Chollerton's early years provision a distinctive thread: children can develop their own ideas through imaginative play, materials and tools, with adults demonstrating techniques along the way. The nursery belongs to Chollerton Church of England Aided First School in Barrasford, near Hexham.

The school describes a Christian ethos centred on inclusion and a sense of family. The school says its grounds and countryside setting enrich children's learning. At the inspection on 23 and 24 April 2024, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Art provides a concrete picture of early years learning here. Daily imaginative play gives children opportunities to express ideas using materials and tools. Adults demonstrate creative techniques, then guide children as they try them. Independent creative activity also has a place, giving children opportunities to use those skills in work of their own.

Each half term brings attention to different artists and their techniques. Children look closely at how art is made, rather than simply producing a finished picture. Discussing and evaluating their creations adds another dimension: they can explain their choices and think about how their work develops.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, is the framework for this early learning. Chollerton's stated art aims within it include imaginative expression, sharing thoughts and feelings, and developing awareness of different art forms. For parents, these examples show how creative activity connects practical exploration with opportunities for children to communicate their ideas.

An early years teacher works alongside early years practitioners. The team includes a practitioner whose role also covers managing wraparound care. These are distinct teaching and care roles within the school's staffing structure, rather than a single general classroom support role.

For special educational needs and disabilities, the school has a special educational needs co-ordinator and a SEND governor. Northumberland's SEND Local Offer provides a further route to information about education, health and welfare services for children and families. Parents can raise individual concerns with the class teacher or headteacher in the first instance.

Inclusion is an explicit school aim. Chollerton says it seeks to remove barriers to learning and give children access to school opportunities as far as reasonably practical. This is an aim to discuss against a child's individual needs. Within the safeguarding team, the early years teacher also holds a designated safeguarding lead role, providing an early years connection to the school's child protection responsibilities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, meeting the normal deadline.

The application route is Northumberland County Council's admissions service. Treat that application as a separate step in planning your child's next stage, even when choosing the nursery attached to the school. Nursery enrolment and a Reception application are different decisions.

The school is on Station Road in Barrasford, Hexham, NE48 4AA. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01434 681572 or email admin@chollerton.northumberland.sch.uk. This gives families a direct administrative contact for beginning the nursery enquiry process.