Timothy Hackworth Primary School Nursery Review

Flexible hours and places from age two give Timothy Hackworth’s nursery a practical identity of its own. Part of Timothy Hackworth Primary School on Byerley Road in Shildon, the provision has 52 nursery places alongside 16 places for two-year-olds. For older nursery entrants, eligibility begins in the term after their third birthday.

Stories and finger rhymes give early learning a concrete shape. At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children heard stories each day, while Five Little Ducks helped them develop number knowledge up to 10. Frequent sharing of books, including Guess How Much I Love You, also extended children’s vocabulary. Words and numbers came through familiar activities children could join in with.

The curriculum includes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside social learning. In practical terms, the evidenced activities combine listening, language and learning to play together. That makes the nursery day about developing participation as well as knowledge.

Teaching precision. The same inspection identified a curriculum concern affecting early years: some teachers needed further subject knowledge and clearer modelling of vocabulary, including in mathematics and science. It also identified inconsistent alignment between extra reading support and the school’s phonics approach. These findings matter when considering how accurately adults explain new ideas and support early reading development.

In March 2023, children joining at two settled readily, with staff care helping them enjoy learning and playing alongside one another. That is a useful finding for parents considering an early start: the youngest children were supported to take part with their peers.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), planning starts with a discussion before entry. Parents are asked to share identified needs so that interventions can be prepared; advice from the local authority or other agencies may also be sought.

Early Intervention Short Notes set specific short-term targets. Individual SEND Support Plans describe needs, intended outcomes and provision, with parents involved in reviewing support. The SEND Parents and Carers Advisory Group gives families another route to contribute to provision, alongside discussions with the class teacher or SENDCO.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Durham County Council’s school admissions route, even when their child already attends this nursery.

For September 2026 entry, the deadline was midnight on 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed. The school directs families applying after that deadline to Durham County Council School Admissions, so the nursery place should never be treated as the Reception application.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND moving between year groups, additional time with the next teacher and classroom is arranged according to individual needs. A checklist developed by the SEND Parents Advisory Group supports this process. Familiarisation helps prepare children for change; it does not replace the admissions process.

A flexible pattern of 15 hours is offered, while eligible families can access 30 hours of funded childcare. These are distinct practical options: the longer entitlement depends on eligibility. Funded places for eligible two-year-olds are also offered through Play and Learn.

Nursery application forms can be obtained from the office, requested by email or post, or downloaded. Parents and children can arrange a nursery visit through the office on 01388 772959, providing a direct way to meet the provision before applying.

For SEND discussions, families can book an appointment through the same office or email timothyhackworth@durhamlearning.net. Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan follow a separate admission and transfer process, including Durham County Council’s Parental Preference Form.