Bournmoor Primary School Nursery Review

Language games, an instrument box and a garden area give Bournmoor’s youngest children several ways to get involved. The school’s own nursery welcomes children aged three and four, with experiences that include them in school life. It forms part of the early years provision at Bournmoor Primary School in Lambourne Close.

Ofsted’s inspection on 4 July 2024 found that routines were especially well established in early years. For a young child learning how to listen, join in and manage activities, those familiar routines provide a clear structure.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines learning with adults and activities children initiate themselves. Here, that means developing communication and independence alongside early reading, creative work and exploration. Teachers observe both kinds of activity to understand children’s progress, rather than relying only on completed work.

Before beginning Phase One phonics, nursery children take part in BLAST, short for Boosting Language Auditory Skills and Talking. The programme develops attention, listening and turn-taking alongside language. The early years reading page describes a six-week programme: preparation for recognising sounds begins with learning to listen and communicate. Daily Jolly Phonics sessions then give nursery children regular practice with sounds. A reading area and library provide access to fiction and non-fiction books.

Music adds movement and hands-on activity. Early years children have daily opportunities involving Sticky Kids, Dough Disco and nursery rhymes, with an instrument box to explore. Music and expressive arts activities take place outdoors as well as inside, giving children different spaces in which to experiment with sound.

The early years activities recorded for 2025-2026 include making playdough, launching handmade rockets and planting potatoes in the garden area. A nature trail through the grounds focused on autumn changes. These examples show how making, observing and talking can work together in a young child’s learning.

At the July 2024 inspection, teaching in early years was judged very effective, with children showing considerable independence and using songs, actions and rhymes to support reading and mathematics.

Communication with home includes Tapestry: early years achievements in personal, social and emotional learning are shared through the app and in reports. Parents can also speak with staff or use telephone and email contact, giving families more than one way to discuss their child.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school uses individual SEN Support Plans and a cycle of assessment, planning, putting support into practice and reviewing progress. Family views form part of that process. Its school support arrangements include discussions with the SENCO and reviews with parents, so support can be considered alongside what families know about their child.

Chartwells supplies the school’s meals. Contact the office to discuss meal arrangements for your nursery child. Before children join, families provide information about allergies, dietary needs and health requirements. They also identify the adults authorised to collect their child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process, following its deadline. Durham Local Authority sets the admission policy, and preference forms can be completed through the council’s website.

The listed oversubscription criteria do not give priority for nursery attendance. They consider children in public care, exceptional medical factors, siblings and distance. Familiarity with the school therefore remains separate from the allocation of a place.

Transition has its own practical preparation. New Reception starters are offered approximately four weekly visits, each lasting an hour, during June or July. Parents are invited to a meeting with their child and can stay for lunch. These opportunities introduce staff and routines before the move.

Visits for families considering a nursery place can be arranged through the school office on 0191 3854291 or by emailing bournmoor@durhamlearning.net. Seeing the provision gives families a chance to discuss their child with the team before joining.

Collection arrangements require families to complete a form identifying agreed adults. Keeping emergency contact details and health information up to date supports those everyday care arrangements.