Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Nursery School in Consett for Children Aged 0-5
Established in 1990, Shotley Bridge Nursery School pioneered private childcare in Derwentside, cultivating a reputation for excellence over three decades. Our approach prioritises emotional security, sensory exploration, and individualised learning through natural resources and heuristic play. With dedicated spaces for age groups from 0-5 years, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework while maintaining strong family partnerships.Our graduate-led baby room and specialist-trained staff ensure tailored care, complemented by nutritious meals provided in collaboration with Apetito. Recognised for innovative learning opportunities and consistently high standards, we offer 15-30 hour funded childcare options while maintaining a waiting list due to high demand.
Services
Ripples Room
Streams Room
Rivers Room
Bridges Room
Funded Childcare
Nutritious Meals
Outdoor Learning
Special Educational Needs
Parent Partnerships
Year-Round Provision
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Established in 1990 as Derwentside's first private nursery
- Follows Early Years Foundation Stage framework comprehensively
- Collaborates with Apetito for nutritious meal provision
- Maintains 1:4 staff-to-child ratio in baby room
- Offers year-round 30-hour funded childcare options
What people say
Lovely friendly atmosphere
Staff are wonderful
Innovative development
Positive experience
Flourished in care
Services
Ripples Room
Our Ripples Room provides nurturing care for infants through one-to-one interactions and sensory exploration. Using natural materials and heuristic play, we establish emotional security while encouraging early development. Parents benefit from dedicated Key Persons maintaining regular communication throughout the day.
Streams Room
The Streams Room offers graduate-led care with specialist training for children aged 0-2 years. Schema-based learning through authentic resources supports individual development, with dedicated spaces for rest, exploration and parent collaboration.
Rivers Room
For 2-3 year olds, our Rivers Room combines structured learning with free play. Staff facilitate socialisation through creative activities while maintaining quiet areas for rest. Observational assessments help tailor development opportunities to each child's needs.
Bridges Room
Preparing children for primary education, the Bridges Room focuses on independence through construction, role-play and literacy activities. Natural resources stimulate curiosity while EYFS framework ensures comprehensive learning across all developmental areas.
People
Mrs Wilkinson
Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead
With over 25 years in childcare, Mrs Wilkinson oversees daily operations and safeguarding protocols. Her leadership maintains the nursery's high standards while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Mrs Bainbridge
Deputy Manager
As Deputy Manager, Mrs Bainbridge supports operational management while leading health and safety initiatives. Her expertise ensures consistent quality across all nursery provisions and staff training programs.
Miss Wheatley
Room Lead - The Streams
Specialising in infant care, Miss Wheatley leads the baby room with a focus on schema-based learning. Her team implements individualised care plans while maintaining strong parent communication channels.
Mrs Lister
Room Lead - The Rivers
Mrs Lister manages toddler provision with emphasis on social development. She coordinates staff training in early years education while maintaining close partnerships with families.
Miss Beard
The Ripples Room Lead
Leading infant care provision, Miss Beard creates nurturing environments for youngest children. Her approach combines sensory exploration with emotional security principles to support early development milestones.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We cater for children from 0-5 years across four dedicated rooms: Ripples (0-2), Streams (0-2), Rivers (2-3) and Bridges (3-5).
Am I eligible for funded childcare?
Working parents may qualify for 15-30 hours funded childcare. Eligibility depends on employment status, income and child's age. Check childcarechoices.gov.uk for criteria.
What meals do you provide?
We provide nutritious meals through Apetito, with options for packed lunches. Our daily consumable charge covers food costs for funded sessions.
How do you support child development?
Following EYFS guidelines, we use natural resources and observation-based planning to create individualised learning journeys for each child.
What outdoor activities are available?
All children access outdoor play daily with structured activities and free exploration in our purpose-designed garden spaces.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain regular communication through Key Persons, daily updates and formal progress reviews to ensure partnership in each child's development.
