Nursery
Here at Darrington CE Primary School we provide excellent pre-school education and care in our EYFS Unit, known as ‘Team Acorns and Team Saplings’. Our Nursery began operating in September 2014. Our stimulating indoor and outdoor environment allows children to learn through self-initiated exploratory play together with carefully planned activities which are tailored towards children’s needs and interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum is delivered in a fun, exciting manner where children are nurtured and supported throughout their learning journey.
Our Nursery offers morning, afternoon and full day sessions, term-time only. Children are welcome to join us when they are 3 years old for sessions that are payable, or the term after they turn 3 years old, using their funding. Morning sessions run from 8:45am–11:45am, afternoon sessions run from 12:15pm–3:15pm and full-day sessions run from 8.45am-3.15pm. Full Provision is available for 15 hours of free government funded nursery childcare and eligible parents can receive up to 30 hours per week to suit personal requirements. Additional sessions, which can be booked either termly in advance, or as and when needed can be provided at £6.00 per hour and children will be required to bring a packed lunch. Additional sessions are subject to availability. Please speak to the office staff who will be happy to discuss your personal requirements.
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours per week of free nursery funding, however if you are using the extended entitlement of up to 30 hours funding you must obtain your 11 digit eligibility code before the term your child starts with us from www. childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk. We advise you to apply for this one month in advance to avoid any problems and you will then need to submit this to the school office. If you wish to change the hours your child is in Nursery with us using your extended entitlement, please discuss this with the office. Eligibility codes must be obtained or reconfirmed prior to the start date of the new term (please note a term will run from the 1st of the month). Codes cannot be claimed retrospectively and it is a parent's responsibility to obtain and provide this code to the school within timescales. If you do not re-confirm your code, parents will be charged for any hours that they take in Nursery that are not covered by the universal 15 hours.
2025/2026 30 hour codes term deadlines are as follows:
- Term 1 - 31st August 2025
- Term 2 - 31st December 2025
- Term 3 - 31st March 2026
A typical day in Nursery begins with registration and rhyme time. It will include a 15 minute phonics session where ‘Phase 1 Letters and Sounds’ is delivered and a 10 minute interactive maths session which contains lots of movement, singing and dancing! Children enjoy listening to many stories throughout the day. A healthy snack is provided (usually a piece of fruit or vegetable) free of charge, as is a drink of milk. We operate a ‘free flow’ environment where children can choose to play indoors or outdoors as they wish, whatever the weather. At these times, children can access high quality provision that will challenge, inspire, and motivate them, allowing them to flourish into aspiring learners. We also support our children with their emotional regulation, using mindfulness techniques i.e. yoga and breath work.
If you would like to arrange a visit, please telephone the school office on 01977 232320. We warmly encourage you and your child to come and spend time with us to see how our sessions are run. If you have any queries or questions please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to our Nursery soon.