Nursery Admissions

The purpose-built Nursery at Dunston Hill Community Primary School provides a caring, stimulating and challenging environment in which every child is able to learn safely and effectively about themselves, each other and the wider world around them. We have recently invested heavily in the Early Years Outdoor Area, with a new Mud Kitchen, Water Feature, bikes and a new “road”, a Hobbit Hole and an outdoor Sensory Garden.  Our qualified and experienced Early Years teacher and teaching assistants plan a range of adult- and child-initiated opportunities and experiences which support and develop every child effectively both inside and outside the classroom.  The operation of our Nursery is overseen by our Early Years Phase Team Leader to ensure a consistent philosophy is maintained throughout our Nursery and reception provision.  

Our Nursery offers 78 part-time places which are divided equally between morning (8.30-11.30am) and afternoon (12.15-3.15pm) sessions. All children, subject to the availability of places, will normally be admitted to our Nursery class no earlier than the start of term following their third birthday i.e., in the autumn in September, the spring in January or the summer after the Easter break.  

We actively encourage all parents/carers to get involved in their child’s education and to build up a strong relationship with the school staff. Workshops are arranged at appropriate times during the year to share and offer ideas on how learning at home can build on and complement the work we do in school.  

Admission Criteria

All children, subject to the availability of places, will normally be admitted to our nursery class no earlier than the start of term following their third birthday of the academic year:

Closing Date

To apply for a place in our nursery you must complete and return your application form to the Headteacher for a:

January 2026 place by 1 November 2025
April 2026 place by 1 February 2026
September 2026 place by 1 June 2026
January 2027 place by November 2026

30 Hours FREE Childcare

Working in partnership with the Beehive Early Years we are also able to offer 30 hours FREE provision subject to the availability of morning places in our nursery and the eligibility (www.childcarechoices.gov.uk) of parents. On a fixed arrangement we are able to offer the following:   

School (education) – 8.30am-11.30am  
Beehive (childcare) – 11.30am-2.30pm  

A packed lunch must be provided on a daily basis.  

Beehive Out of School Club and Pre-school

The Beehive Club and Pre-school operate from the Lifelong Learning Centre which is based within the grounds of the Kingsmeadow and Dunston Hill Community Primary School campus.  

The Beehive Club provides quality and affordable ‘wrap around care’ and breakfast facilities between the hours of 7.45am – 9.00am and 3.15pm – 6.00pm. The provision also has access to fixed adventure play equipment within Dunston Hill Community Primary School.  

The Pre-school provides a fun, happy, caring and secure learning environment for 2-4 year olds. The centre has a designated room with appropriate facilities and resources to cater for the needs of this age range.