Nursery at St Charles' Catholic Primary School, Tudhoe

Choosing books to share and learning to play together give the early years at St Charles’ a clear social focus. Personal development matters alongside learning. For parents, that places relationships and growing confidence within the picture of a child’s day, rather than treating preparation for school as academic work alone.

The governor-led nursery opened in September 2021 within St Charles’ Catholic Primary School in Tudhoe. It offers 15 and 30 hours of provision, giving families two attendance totals to consider.

In May 2024, Ofsted found that early-years children became familiar with routines quickly and experienced carefully planned learning across the different areas of development. Those findings cover the school’s early years. They give parents a dated picture of learning and settling, rather than a separate nursery judgement.

Books are part of children’s shared activity: they select reading material to enjoy with their class. That combines making a choice with taking part in a group. Playing together also features in the early-years findings, linking learning with the everyday task of getting along with other children.

Social confidence receives deliberate attention. In May 2024, children were self-assured and considerate, with learning that encouraged them to value what makes each person different. Health and online safety were also included. The emphasis reaches beyond classroom knowledge to how children understand themselves, relate to others and look after their bodies.

Predictable routines supported children’s adjustment to school in May 2024. For a parent considering a first group setting, that is a useful part of the early-years picture: children were learning the expectations as well as taking part in activities.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review. Support is organised around identifying needs, agreeing provision, putting it into practice and checking progress. Parents participate in developing a SEN Support Plan, so the process includes family involvement rather than leaving decisions entirely with staff.

Speech and Language Therapy, the Educational Psychology Service and Tree Tops Occupational Therapy are among the school’s professional partners. These links provide routes to specialist assessment, advice or direct support according to a child’s needs. Families can arrange an appointment to discuss SEND with the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline.

Support for the change of class is a separate matter. For children with additional needs, staff meet regularly around nursery-to-Reception transition to share understanding of educational needs. That helps carry knowledge about a child forward; it does not secure admission.

The nursery offers 15 and 30 hours of provision. Nursery enquiries go directly to the school office, which handles information about joining. Contact 01388 814285 or office@stcharles.bhcet.org.uk. The school is on Durham Road in Spennymoor, DL16 6SL.