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Nursery at Horden Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Natural gardens, cosy dens and time exploring the dene give Horden Nursery School a day shaped by play and the outdoors. The Hygge approach adds cushions, blankets and soft lighting indoors, giving children places to pause as well as investigate.
This maintained nursery school at Cotsford Park serves children from the term after their second birthday until they leave for Reception. Its youngest children share a learning space with its own garden. Nursery education is the school's purpose, rather than an additional class within a primary school.
Sessions have a recognisable rhythm: time with the key person in a group room, a brief teaching activity, then play indoors and outside, followed by snack and a story. Children get both adult guidance and time to pursue their own ideas.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings, alongside early literacy, maths, creative work and understanding the world. Here, block building, puzzles and tools turn those areas into things children can handle and explore. The pre-phonics programme develops listening and awareness of sounds; letter sounds and blending are introduced when staff consider a child ready.
Books extend beyond the book corner. Story phones offer another way to listen, and daily small-group stories sit alongside repeated reading. Participation in the Again project with Seven Stories helped shape that practice. Families can borrow story activity packs containing a book and props, taking the same ideas home.
Outside, children use natural materials and spend time in the gardens, with outings to the dene and beach. Indoors, rugs and dens provide resting places. This gives energetic exploration and quieter activity their own space.
On 9 July 2024, Ofsted found that adults developed vocabulary effectively, including for children with SEND and those not yet speaking. Water-tray play made size, quantity and capacity tangible; climbing equipment gave children opportunities to adjust their movements and judge risk. Learning grows from practical problems.
A key person spends time with each child and their family group daily and acts as the family's first contact. Conversations can happen at either end of a session or by telephone. ClassDojo carries nursery updates, while Learning Journals lets parents view photographs and assessments and contribute moments from home.
Before starting, families have a visit and learn who their child's key person will be. A meeting after the child has begun nursery focuses on settling. For children with SEND, arrangements can include shorter sessions, home visits or a quieter visit outside normal hours, depending on individual needs.
Staff training includes Makaton, Every Child a Talker and support for children on the autistic spectrum. The nursery purchases speech and language therapy support annually. Possible adaptations include visual timetables, quieter listening spaces and sensory resource boxes, giving children different ways to understand routines and join activities.
Lunch requires a packed meal because the nursery cannot cook lunches or warm food. Lunchtime supervisors work alongside nursery staff. Breakfast club provides cereal, toast and a drink. Safeguarding arrangements were judged effective at the July 2024 inspection.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.
Preparation for leaving is a separate matter. Books help children think about starting their new school. For children with SEND, staff arrange additional visits with the chosen primary school; a key person or school leader can accompany the family. Meetings bring nursery staff, parents and primary staff together to discuss the child's needs, helping the receiving school prepare.
Term-time places cover 15 or 30 hours. Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and full days from 8:45am to 3:30pm. Session combinations depend on availability. Breakfast club starts at 8am.
Universal 15-hour places for three-year-olds do not require a code. Other funded places depend on eligibility; working-parent codes need renewal every three months. Lunch falls within the 30-hour session. An additional lunchtime stay is charged where space permits. Paid nursery places may also be offered when space allows; contact the school for current charges.
Enquiries go to 0191 5865415 or hordennursery@durhamlearning.net. Uniform is optional; labelled clothing suitable for outdoor play is requested. Children are collected from their group rooms. Anyone different collecting must be notified to staff and provide the security password.
Mornings are 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and full days 8:45am to 3:30pm. Session availability determines the combinations families can use.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process.
A packed lunch. The nursery cannot provide cooked lunches or heat food. Lunch is included within the 30-hour session; an additional lunchtime stay is charged, subject to availability.
Families have a starting visit and are told who their child's key person will be. Staff meet parents after starting to discuss settling. Children with SEND may have individually arranged shorter sessions or quieter visits.
No. Children should wear labelled clothing suited to the weather and outdoor play.
