Rosa Street Primary and Nursery Academy Nursery Review

Two-year-old and three-year-old provision gives Rosa Street an early starting point within its primary academy in Spennymoor. Families can request mornings, afternoons or full-time attendance, with Busy Bees wraparound care also available to request. That makes the attendance pattern an important part of choosing this nursery, alongside the learning itself.

A nursery teacher forms part of the teaching team, while the wider school has a special educational needs coordinator and an Inclusion Support Advisor. Nursery children are included in the school's SEND support arrangements, so discussions about additional needs can begin at this stage.

Conversation is a clear focus of early learning here. In February 2025, the early-years provision concentrated on developing children's language and communication, with adults encouraging children to talk and explore their questions. The practical significance is straightforward: interaction with adults is part of learning, rather than simply supervision.

Staff assessed children's learning and adjusted the environment to suit their needs and their next steps. This gives a concrete picture of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in practice here: adults use what children can already do to decide how to support further learning. This allows staff to shape support around what children are learning and what they need next.

For full-day nursery children, the day begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm. Nursery lunch is at 11:30am. Afternoon attendance has a different rhythm, starting at 12:30pm and finishing at 3:30pm; families should keep those different collection times in mind.

Before a child starts, the nursery teacher invites parent and child to visit once a place becomes available. This gives both a chance to get acquainted with the nursery before the first session. Start dates are communicated individually.

Staying for lunch is an option families can request. Ask the school for current lunch charges. Before admission, the school gathers information about allergies, dietary preferences and health requirements, making that an opportunity to explain care needs clearly.

For children with SEND, parents help write support plans with the class teacher. The process moves through assessment, planning, putting support into practice and reviewing it. Plans receive a formal review each term, with targets adjusted as children reach them. Parents therefore have a defined role in deciding support and discussing progress.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Durham County Council route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

Preparation for the move has its own purpose. Introductory classroom visits take place in the summer term after a school place has been accepted, helping children become familiar with their teacher and surroundings. Children with SEND can have extra time in their new class with the adults who will support them. Familiarity supports transition; it does not secure admission.

The nursery offers a 15-hour pattern described as five slots, and families can indicate eligibility for 30 hours and supply their code. Morning, afternoon and full-time preferences can be requested. Lunch and Busy Bees care are separate choices to discuss when arranging attendance.

To enquire or arrange a visit, telephone 01388 815427 or email rosastreet@durhamlearning.net. Visits can be arranged at a mutually convenient time.

School outdoor-clothing guidance asks for labelled coats and wellies, with a welly rack outside for storage. This is a useful practical detail for preparing clothing for outdoor activity.