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Nursery at Usworth Colliery Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Water, mud and waterproofs give Usworth Colliery Nursery School much of its character. Outdoor play includes sand, creative activities and natural materials, with wellington boots and waterproof clothing provided. Getting messy is part of the learning here.
For children aged two to four, this is a nursery school in its own right, on Manor Road in Washington. It belongs to the House Federation alongside Hetton Lyons Nursery School. Families are choosing an early education setting rather than a nursery within a primary school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of learning. Personal development, movement and communication are the three main areas; children also explore reading and writing, mathematics, the world around them and creative expression. In parent language, learning to share, talk and move matters alongside recognising numbers and making marks.
An adult plans a daily activity for a small group, building on what children can already do. Examples include Silly Soup for hearing rhymes, counting songs and practising letter shapes. In May 2024, new ideas were introduced during group sessions, then revisited to check understanding. Frequent singing and storytelling gave children opportunities to join in with familiar language, including Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
The reading area has puppets for sharing stories. Activity examples also include shaping clay with natural materials and making pretend cakes from play dough, connecting books, conversation and imaginative play. Outdoors, the water wall has funnels, pipes and water wheels. Children have followed water as it flows and carried it into the mud kitchen, turning exploration into pretend cooking.
Understanding the natural world was a strength in May 2024: children sustained their attention outdoors and showed knowledge of seasons, habitats and lifecycles. There were also two clear weaknesses. Some adult conversations missed chances to extend learning, and leaders and governors had yet to evaluate the curriculum's impact fully. These matter because an engaging activity needs both purposeful discussion and checks on what children learn.
Relationships provide a secure starting point. Ofsted's inspection on 15 and 16 May 2024 found that children settled quickly into routines, trusted their key adults and received effective help with strong emotions. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that time. The Zip Club certificate recognised children managing their outdoor clothing with little assistance, making independence a concrete achievement.
Class Dojo shares children's activities with families. Parents with developmental concerns can approach their child's keyworker and arrange a discussion; additional support and possible referrals are discussed with them. In May 2024, support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) drew on external specialists, including speech and language therapists, helping children participate in the curriculum.
Children staying for lunch may bring a healthy packed lunch. Families supply spare clothing, plus nappies and wipes where needed, kept in a named bag on the child's peg. Practical care sits alongside opportunities for independence: activity examples include preparing snacks and serving lunch.
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. Treat that application as a separate decision from booking nursery sessions.
Preparation for later learning includes recognising a written name, learning its letters and practising early writing through mark making. These are learning experiences, not an admissions advantage.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The lunch session bridges them from 11:45am to 12:30pm. Children accessing 30 hours can attend on four days, from 8am to 3:30pm, giving eligible families a different attendance pattern.
Uniform is optional. Comfortable clothes and outdoor footwear are recommended, with sweatshirts sold for families who prefer them. Choose clothing that can cope with paint, sand and water.
To register, complete the form through Register for a Nursery Place; the nursery will then contact you. Telephone enquiries can go to 0191 4167 700.
Usworth Colliery Nursery School caters for children aged two to four.
Morning sessions are 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons are 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and lunch runs between them. Children accessing 30 hours can attend four days from 8am to 3:30pm.
No. Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor and messy play is recommended. Sweatshirts are sold if you prefer a uniform.
Children staying for lunch can bring a healthy packed lunch. Provide a change of clothes and nappies and wipes if your child needs them.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, by the applicable deadline.
