Dubmire Primary Nursery Review

Play dough, nursery rhymes and learning shaped around children's interests give Dubmire's nursery its character. This is the nursery class within Dubmire Primary in Fence Houses, on Britannia Terrace. Families can choose morning or afternoon sessions, alongside a flexible-hours model. That choice matters when fitting early education around family routines.

In October 2024, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. This judgement covers early years within the school, rather than giving the nursery a separate rating. Children enjoyed their activities and developed independence, confidence and resilience, although adult conversation during play needed greater consistency.

Children's interests influence the activities planned for them. The nursery encourages children to make choices and develop belief in their own abilities. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the educational framework: Dubmire aims to build on children's experiences at home and develop the foundations for later learning. Independence is an explicit aim.

Play dough provides a concrete example of that learning. Working with it develops small hand movements and control for using drawing and writing tools. Patterns made with kitchen equipment connect practical play with these developing skills. Stories and songs extend the possibilities at home, with familiar rhymes including Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Row, Row, Row Your Boat.

Nursery children also took part in a careers week, meeting people doing different jobs. During Children's Mental Health Week, they learnt and sang a song about their bodies. These are specific examples of experiences beyond the everyday activity choices.

Conversation during play. In October 2024, adults sometimes missed chances to introduce more varied words during activities, slowing some children's development of everyday vocabulary. Staff development in these interactions was an improvement priority. For parents, the relevant issue is how adults extend a child's language while joining their play.

Communication runs both ways. Early years staff regularly discuss children's progress and learning with families, while parents can share interests and experiences from home in person or through Class Dojo. That gives staff a way to connect classroom activities with what matters to an individual child.

For children identified with special educational needs, the school's approach includes a Support Plan and a Graduated Response: assess needs, plan support, put it into practice and review it. Parents can contact the SEND team through the office, or use Class Dojo once their child attends. This provides a clear route for raising concerns and discussing support.

Attending Dubmire's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery applications are handled by the school, while Reception applications go through the City of Sunderland's Admissions Team. Families must apply separately through that normal route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as two distinct steps.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The traditional pattern provides 15 hours across five days. Flexible nursery hours sit within 8.00am to 6.00pm, with 15 or 30 funded hours per week. The office handles enquiries about flexible arrangements.

To discuss joining or arrange a meeting, telephone 0191 500 5958 first. Nursery registration is handled at the main office, with a child's birth certificate and proof of the family's current address.