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Nursery at Tanfield Lea Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storytelling, singing and learning to manage small everyday tasks give Tanfield Lea’s Pre-School its character. This is the nursery provision within Tanfield Lea Community Primary School in Stanley, with education for two-year-olds forming part of the school’s offer. It is a school-based start with play and growing independence closely connected.
Ofsted’s inspection published on 6 May 2026 judged early years to be at Strong standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision. Adults develop children’s language through demonstrations and purposeful play, while getting to know families helps them adapt learning to each child.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with personal development. Here, the school aims to help children investigate ideas, stay involved in activities and think through problems. Its Growth Mindset approach starts in Pre-School: mistakes are treated as part of learning, encouraging children to keep trying rather than abandon a task.
Books invite conversation. Dialogic Reading uses interactive storytelling, with adults encouraging children to talk about stories and take a storyteller’s role themselves. The shared reading programme spans Pre-School through to Year 2 and includes 100 texts. Families can continue this approach at home through books, demonstration videos and Stay and Play sessions, linking nursery learning with familiar family routines.
Little Fingers, delivered through Durham Music Service, introduces singing and percussion in Pre-School. This gives music a specific place in the day’s learning. Early years activities also include opportunities to practise practical design skills through tasks with open-ended possibilities.
In May 2026, adults used carefully planned play activities to extend children’s thinking, alongside explicit demonstrations of language and skills. Children developed their understanding of numbers, words and letter sounds rapidly. Taking turns and playing together begin in the Nursery Year, so learning includes the social skills needed to join in with others.
Knowing a child starts with knowing the family. In May 2026, communication with parents and arrangements for joining nursery helped staff understand children’s interests and needs. They adjusted activities for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), while giving emotional and social development close attention. Handwashing and toothbrushing were established routines, making self-care part of learning.
For children with SEND who need them, additional introductory visits and a booklet to use at home can support familiarity with staff and the setting. Parents are asked to discuss identified needs before their child starts, allowing support to be planned. SEND Support Plan reviews involve families at least three times each year.
Consistency of SEND support. The May 2026 inspection called for support strategies to be applied consistently throughout the school’s classes and stages. Families whose child needs adaptations should discuss how those strategies will carry through their nursery experience.
Chartwells supplied a separate Pre-School menu for Autumn/Winter 2025. Ask the school about current meal arrangements. Before admission, families supply information about allergies, dietary needs and health requirements, giving staff essential information for daily care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Durham County Council admissions process and meet its deadline.
Familiarity and admission are separate matters. The school’s annual Move up day gives children time in their next classroom, and staff exchange information. For children with SEND, transition support can include extra classroom visits or an earlier start to preparations, tailored with families.
Pre-School runs from 8.50am to 3.05pm. For children attending a Wednesday half-day, the morning finishes at 11.30am and the afternoon begins at 12.45pm. These timings matter when coordinating collection with work or another child’s school day.
Parents use the main entrance and wait on the green area outside Pre-School for collection, then leave between Activity Den and School House. Uniform includes a bottle green jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan with a white polo shirt. Pre-School children need no PE kit and receive a free book bag when joining. Wellies stay at school for playtimes and lunchtimes.
For nursery enquiries, telephone 01207 234500 or use the school’s contact form.
No. Families must apply separately through Durham County Council’s normal school admissions process and meet its deadline.
Yes. Education for two-year-olds is part of the school’s provision.
The full day ends at 3.05pm. For Wednesday half-day attendance, the morning ends at 11.30am and the afternoon starts at 12.45pm.
No. They also receive a free book bag when they join.
Contact the school to arrange an appointment and discuss identified needs. Additional introductory visits and a transition booklet can be provided where required.
