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Nursery at Westlea 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Free choice between indoor play and the garden gives Westlea’s nursery its character. Children follow their interests, while adults use In the moment planning to develop the learning those interests open up. This is the school’s own nursery on Winslow Crescent in Seaham, part of its early years provision.
Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 30 November and 1 December 2022. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery team includes teachers with responsibility for EYFS leadership and special educational needs coordination, alongside teaching assistants.
Children register themselves and put away their coats before choosing their play. Once the group is together, they can move between outside and inside throughout the session. A short gathering closes the session, either with their key worker group or with everyone together. There is room for individual exploration and a shared ending.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum develops learning through play, communication and growing independence. In the moment planning means adults respond to what interests a child, then help them take an idea further. Four children each week receive focused observation, with learning recorded on individual sheets; significant moments for other children go into their learning journey books. This gives staff concrete observations to work from rather than relying solely on planned activities.
Westlea Woodland connects directly to the early years garden. Two staff members have completed Level 2 Forest School training, including one working in early years. The Activity Passport adds visits and experiences linked to the local area, giving children opportunities to practise skills beyond their usual play spaces.
In November and December 2022, nursery children enjoyed stories and tried out unfamiliar vocabulary. Across early years, garden bear hunts and counting pennies for snacks brought language and number into play. Conversations with adults and other children were a distinctive strength, making everyday activities opportunities to explain ideas and learn new words.
Settling starts with familiarity. Early years staff visit feeder nurseries, spend time with children and speak to their existing key workers. New children have transition days before starting, with extra visits encouraged for children with SEND. In November and December 2022, children in early years adapted readily to routines and developed confidence, including those with additional needs.
Snacks are available during the session so children can decide when to eat; these usually comprise fruit and milk. A labelled water bottle keeps a drink within reach. Children attending all day can choose a school meal or bring a healthy packed lunch.
WellComm helps staff assess speech and language development and select activities for areas needing support. The school’s SEND arrangements include visual prompts for language delay and additional adult help where needed. Parents can meet the class teacher or SENCO, and SEN Support Plans with individual targets are sent home each term. Families therefore have specific goals to discuss alongside their child’s everyday experience.
Separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through Durham County Council’s normal primary admissions process by the applicable deadline.
The school’s admissions criteria give priority for exceptional medical circumstances, qualifying sibling links and distance. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion in those arrangements. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to make sense for the nursery experience itself, independently of the later school application.
The 15-hour funded provision can be taken as five half-day sessions or as two full days plus a half day. Afternoon sessions run from 12:15 to 15:15; the full days in the mixed pattern run from 09:00 to 15:00. Eligible families can take a 30-hour place, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 15:00, using an eligibility code obtained through childcarechoices.
Visits before applying can be arranged by appointment with the headteacher. Contact the school office on 0191 581 3658 or email westlea@durhamlearning.net. Parking. Space in the school’s visitor car park is limited; a public parking area sits behind the garages on Winslow Crescent. Allow for that when planning a visit.
In the moment planning develops learning from children’s immediate interests, with adults extending their ideas through play.
Yes. Once the group is together, children can choose between indoor and outdoor play throughout the session. Westlea Woodland is accessed from the early years garden.
Snacks usually include milk and fruit. Children staying all day can bring a healthy packed lunch or have a school dinner.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Durham County Council. The school’s listed priority criteria do not include nursery attendance.
Early years staff visit feeder nurseries and speak with existing key workers. Transition days introduce children to school before they start, with further visits encouraged for children with SEND.
