Deaf Hill Primary School Nursery

Twinkles gives two-year-olds their own room and a morning session, while the nursery shares a unit with Reception. That combination gives Deaf Hill’s youngest children a distinct starting point, with familiar rooms and staff supporting the later move into school.

This is the nursery provision at Deaf Hill Primary School in Trimdon Station. Its character rests on play and familiarity: the school values learning both outdoors and indoors in early years, with communication, relationships and physical development among its aims.

The timetable offers a clear rhythm. Twinkles and morning nursery run from 8:55am until noon; afternoon nursery starts at 12:15pm and finishes at 3:15pm. These are separate session times, so families can see where the nursery day fits around their other commitments.

Learning begins with recognisable subjects. For two-year-olds, the topic sequence moves from starting school in autumn to animals in spring and farm life in summer. Nursery topics include identity and health, winter, the wider world, plants and people who help us. Familiar experiences give children something concrete to talk about as their interests broaden.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes early reading and writing here. Books are chosen by teachers, and early phonics introduces the relationship between sounds and the letters representing them. Alongside this, the school’s emphasis on indoor and outdoor play aims to develop children’s social, communication and movement skills. Nursery learning therefore combines language with play rather than relying on a list of formal subjects.

Settling starts before the first regular session. Children can visit the nursery to become acquainted with its routines, space and staff. Parents can discuss their child’s development with the class teacher, including additional needs or involvement from other agencies; further meetings or visits can then be arranged. This gives families a practical opportunity to explain what helps their child settle.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school asks parents to discuss identified needs before starting so support can be planned. The class teacher is the first contact, with the special educational needs coordinator available for further discussion. Changing facilities are included within the early years provision, alongside accessible toilet provision across the school.

Durham Catering Services supplies the school’s meals. Before a child starts, families provide details of allergies, dietary preferences and health requirements, helping staff prepare for individual care needs.

A separate application is essential. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. For September 2027 entry, families apply again through Durham County Council’s common application process by 15 January 2027. The oversubscription priorities cover looked-after and previously looked-after children, exceptional medical factors, siblings and distance.

Familiarity is a transition benefit, separate from admission. Nursery children moving to Reception take part in a summer stay-and-play lunch to practise lunchtime routines with staff and peers. Extra visits can be arranged for children who need more time; shorter initial sessions can build gradually. Parents can also meet the class teacher and, where needed, the special educational needs coordinator.

The school follows Durham County Council’s term dates. General enquiries go to the office on 01429 880358 or office@deafhill.adastraschools.org. The address is Station Road West, Trimdon Station, TS29 6BP.

School uniform combines red knitwear with a white polo shirt and grey or black bottoms. Plain red items are permitted alongside those carrying the logo. Families can request second-hand items from the office, and clothing should be labelled to help keep belongings together.