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Nursery at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two age-group rooms and a 68-place nursery give Rainbows its own identity within Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School in Peterlee. Children aged 2–4 attend this Catholic school’s nursery, which welcomes families of every faith and belief. Provision sits within the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with rooms for ages 2–3 and 3–4.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 25 and 26 April 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. The strongest detail for parents is the attention to talk, stories and relationships with adults.
Play shapes the learning. Rainbows combines activities guided by adults with activities children choose themselves, using the EYFS framework. In parent language, this brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. The school encourages imagination through storytelling and role play, and investigation through questions and observation. These give children different ways to explore an idea rather than only listen to an explanation.
Reading begins with songs, stories and nursery rhymes. In April 2023, adults used conversations with children to build language and communication, while indoor learning supported children’s development. This makes everyday exchanges part of the learning, alongside the activities themselves.
Spacious indoor areas sit alongside a large outdoor area enclosed by fencing. Outdoor learning. In April 2023, the outdoor provision needed further development: opportunities to investigate nature independently and practise large body movements did not fully meet children’s needs. For families who value outdoor exploration, this is a useful focus during a visit. Size alone does not explain what children can do there.
Qualified teachers are involved from the nursery stage, alongside staff working in the two age-group rooms. In April 2023, children’s positive connections with adults supported their early development. Rainbows aims to make starting nursery a sensitive experience for both children and parents. Conversations with EYFS staff before applying and an informal meeting with the teacher introduce families to the routines and teaching approach.
Parents’ evenings and an open-door approach provide opportunities to discuss progress and raise concerns early. For additional needs, the school’s SEN coordinator oversees support and liaises with families; individual support plans are reviewed three times annually. Parents can arrange a discussion with the SEND team through the office, giving them a direct route into planning support.
Chadwick’s Kitchen provides the school’s catering, preparing meals daily with fresh ingredients. Catering staff work with parents on medical diets. Packed lunches are permitted, with nuts and products containing nuts excluded, so families need to bear that restriction in mind when preparing lunch.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, and attendance gives no priority under the September 2027 arrangements. For that intake, the deadline is 4:30pm on 15 January 2027. County Durham families can apply through Durham County Council’s admissions portal.
Rainbows describes continuity through familiar surroundings, trusted adults and a shared EYFS curriculum as part of its transition approach. That is about the child’s experience of moving on. The application remains a separate step for parents.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and full days from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Rainbows offers 15- and 30-hour places. A paid whole-day option is also offered to families who are not entitled to it; contact the school for current charges.
Wraparound care extends from 7:45am to 4:45pm, subject to availability. Breakfast Club and Tea Time Club bookings use wraparound@ourladyrosary.org.uk. Nursery applications are returned to school with the child’s birth certificate, after which families join the waiting list and staff contact them.
Nursery uniform includes a red jumper or cardigan, a white or red polo shirt, grey or black bottoms and black school shoes. To enquire or arrange a visit, contact the office on 0191 586 2264 or office@ourladyrosary.org.uk.
Children aged 2–4 attend, with rooms for ages 2–3 and 3–4.
Morning sessions are 8:45am–11:45am, afternoons 12:30pm–3:30pm and full days 9:00am–3:00pm.
Yes, from 7:45am to 4:45pm, subject to availability. For Breakfast Club or Tea Time Club bookings, email wraparound@ourladyrosary.org.uk.
No. A separate application to the home local authority is required. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the September 2027 arrangements; the deadline for that intake is 4:30pm on 15 January 2027.
Contact the school office on 0191 586 2264 or email office@ourladyrosary.org.uk to arrange a visit.
