Kelloe Primary School Nursery Review

A shared early-years unit gives Kelloe’s nursery a practical connection with the next stage: children become familiar with the room and staff before moving on to Reception. The nursery belongs to Kelloe Primary School on Front Street. Its character centres on play indoors and outside, with the school aiming to develop children’s communication, social skills and physical confidence through those experiences.

Morning nursery runs from 9.00am to 11.30am; the afternoon session begins at 12.30pm and finishes at 3.00pm. These are distinct session windows, so their start and finish times matter when planning the family day.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning together through practical experiences. Kelloe’s early-years activities include making self-portraits, building models and using playdough. These give children different ways to express ideas and practise handling materials. Outdoor climbing adds movement to the mix. The school sees indoor and outdoor play as opportunities to develop language and relationships alongside physical skills.

Early phonics introduces the foundations of reading. Children begin learning how spoken sounds relate to written letters, giving them a starting point for later reading and spelling. This sits alongside the practical, creative activities rather than replacing them.

Settling begins with visits to the nursery. Children can become acquainted with its routines, space and some of the team before starting. Parents discuss their child’s development with the class teacher, including additional needs or involvement from outside agencies; further meetings or visits can then be planned. That gives families a chance to explain what helps their child before the new routine begins.

For children with SEND, the school uses the Ad Astra Academy Trust Graduated Response. Class teachers, support staff and the SENCO share responsibility for planning support. Parents of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan, a SEN Support Provision Plan or specialist support are invited to additional meetings in autumn, spring and summer to review progress and agree next steps.

Care routines include accessible toilet provision and changing facilities within EYFS. Before children start, parents provide information about allergies, dietary preferences and health needs. Durham Catering Services supplies school meals; the nursery-to-Reception transition also includes a lunch experience, helping children practise that routine with peers.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and carries no priority in the September 2027 admission criteria. Families must make a separate application. County Durham residents apply through Durham County Council’s common application process, with applications due by 15 January 2027 for September 2027 entry. Keep that deadline separate from nursery arrangements.

Familiarity is a different benefit. Nursery and Reception share a unit, and children moving on take part in a summer stay-and-play lunch to meet staff and experience lunchtime. Children who feel anxious or need more familiarisation can have additional sessions, beginning with shorter visits and gradually spending longer in the setting. Parents can meet the class teacher, with SENCO meetings arranged where needed.

The school follows Durham County Council’s term dates. For nursery enquiries, contact the office on 0191 377 0275 or email office@kelloe.adastraschools.org. The address is Front Street, Kelloe, DH6 4PG.

Families with identified additional needs are asked to discuss them before their child starts, so support can be planned in advance. The school can seek advice from the local authority or other agencies where appropriate. Bringing those discussions forward gives the team time to prepare for the child’s needs.