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Nursery at Sugar Hill Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Singing together, weighing objects and planting potatoes give Sugar Hill’s nursery day a practical character. Children use language while doing things, with morning exercises building the strength needed for later writing. These small routines have a clear purpose.
The nursery belongs to Sugar Hill Primary School in Newton Aycliffe. Children can start from the term after their third birthday, and provision comprises 38 part-time places alongside 20 full-time places. Full-time attendance is conditional on parents or carers meeting the eligibility criteria.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 4 and 5 February 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes concrete form here through physical activity, conversation and practical learning. Vocabulary has a practical use: children compare the weight of objects and put learned language to work when planting potatoes outside. These examples come from the February 2025 inspection. Its findings show how adults build on activities and select resources for indoor and outdoor practice, giving children opportunities to use their learning in different tasks.
Group singing in Nursery supports children’s ability to concentrate and join in with others. Exercises each morning prepare their bodies for writing later, while established routines give the day a predictable structure. These are foundations for future learning, rather than simply ways to fill a session.
Sounds-Write begins in Nursery. Teaching and support staff have training in this phonics programme, giving early reading and writing a named approach. The nursery also has seasonal project planning. Alongside this, the school’s Global Curriculum explores themes including sustainability and human rights across year groups, connecting learning with questions about the wider world.
In February 2025, skilled early years adults supported learning across its different areas. For children with additional needs, the school’s inclusion policy provides for partnership with families and external agencies, and adaptations to learning where appropriate. This gives parents a role in planning support alongside staff.
Food routines include a daily fruit snack for early years children. The school operates a nut-free policy, so families must avoid sending nut products. Before a child joins, parents provide information about allergies, dietary needs and health requirements; keeping those details updated matters for everyday care. School lunches are cooked on site, and milk is free for children under five through the Cool Milk scheme.
Tapestry carries early years learning for families to access at home. Wider school communication includes newsletters and meetings, providing further ways to keep in touch with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Durham County Council, using its primary school places route or School Admissions service. The school’s admissions guidance gives a deadline of no later than mid-January in the school year when the child will start school. Treat that application as a separate task, even if your child already attends Nursery.
The preparation for later learning is practical: concentration through singing, vocabulary through activities and physical exercises for writing. These educational foundations are separate from the allocation of a Reception place.
Monday to Friday, morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am and afternoons from noon to 3pm. Eligible families can use the full-time pattern of 8:45am to 3pm. These fixed times are important when planning work and collection.
Nursery enquiries and application forms go through the school office; forms can also be requested at p2743.admin@durhamlearning.net. Nursery uniform combines a white polo shirt with a green cardigan or sweatshirt and black or grey trousers or a skirt. Branded clothing is optional, and pre-loved uniform is available free through school. Name clothing so misplaced items can be returned.
Children can be considered from the beginning of the term after their third birthday.
Sessions run Monday to Friday: 8:45am to 11:45am, noon to 3pm, or 8:45am to 3pm for children whose parents or carers meet the full-time eligibility criteria.
No. Parents must apply separately through Durham County Council’s normal primary school places route.
Early years children receive a daily fruit snack. School lunches are cooked on site, and the Cool Milk scheme provides free milk for under-fives. The school has a nut-free policy.
Yes: a green sweatshirt or cardigan, white polo shirt and grey or black trousers or skirt. Clothing need not be branded, and free pre-loved uniform is available through school.
