Thornhill Primary School Nursery Review

A nursery rhyme to act out, stories to share at home and letter sounds to practise with actions: language and physical development give Thornhill’s nursery its character. This is the nursery class within Thornhill Primary School in Shildon, with curriculum planning referring to children aged three and four.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 2 and 3 February 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) starts here with learning to communicate, move and manage feelings and relationships. These are the curriculum’s main priorities: children build the skills needed to join in, express an idea and work alongside others. Development Matters guidance supports the school’s EYFS planning.

Books give the day a repeated point of focus. Early years children hear up to five stories daily, learn a different nursery rhyme each week and borrow story bags for sharing with adults at home. Jolly Phonics introduces sounds and letters together with actions, giving children a physical way to practise early reading skills. Story bags also give families something concrete to enjoy together beyond the classroom.

In February 2023, early years children explored magnets and investigated how polar bears stay warm. Adults demonstrated language during learning, and children communicated unusually well for their age. A movement programme prepared them for writing. These examples show practical exploration sitting alongside preparation for literacy.

Creative activities combine children’s own choices with adult direction, using art materials and tools to express ideas. Music brings a specialist teacher into nursery each week; early years activities include percussion, chants and musical games. Outdoors, Forest School uses an orchard on the school site, with visits each half term for every child. Nature therefore has a scheduled place in learning, alongside classroom activities.

Starting nursery includes introductory meetings and sessions. These give families an organised first step into the provision. For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review: staff identify needs, plan support, put it into practice and check progress. Parents help shape the SEN Support Plan, so support is discussed with families rather than decided in isolation.

Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy are among the school’s external partnerships. Parents can discuss concerns with the class teacher or SENCO, and support plans are reviewed each term. This provides a route for coordinating classroom help and specialist input.

Chartwells Schools provides meals. Children using 30 hours who remain for lunch must eat a school dinner, which carries an additional charge. The school is nut free, and families with allergies or intolerances can contact Chartwells’ medical diet team directly. Lunch arrangements therefore need to be part of planning a full day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through Durham County Council’s admission preference form and meet the council’s deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery sessions.

Transition support has its own purpose. Summer-term events prepare new Reception children, while staff exchange information and liaise with other settings and agencies. These activities help prepare children for the change; they do not secure admission.

Fixed attendance pattern. Families choose full days, mornings or afternoons, with attendance required every day and no swapping between sessions. This suits a regular routine and needs to fit the family’s weekly commitments. Full-day options are available for children qualifying for 30 hours of childcare; the eligibility code must reach school before the child starts.

Nursery children use their own gate for morning and afternoon access. School dinners are paid for through Arbor, and the school operates without cash payments. Contact the office on 01388 772906 or at Thornhill@durhamlearning.net for nursery enquiries and current charges. A nursery application form is provided through the admissions page. Families considering the school can also arrange a visit by telephone or in person.