Kirk Merrington Pre-School
GoodBirth to 8+Open for decades
A pre-school in Spennymoor for children from birth to 8+, open 09:00 to 15:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in June 2024. Open since 2001, with 20 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
DL16 7JDWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 7 June 2024 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children happily engage in their play at this established and well-organised setting.
They enjoy a wide range of interesting activities that excite and motivate them.
Staff get to know children well. They build strong relationships with children, who are settled, happy and secure. Staff place a strong focus throughout the setting on supporting children to explore their emotions. Staff use stories, puppets and soft toys to encourage children to talk about how they feel. Children grow in confidence. Staff are clear with their praise so children can easily recognise their achievements. Children are focused and concentrate well as they fill and empty containers with water and sand. They are curious, active and willing to have a try.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- consider ways to help to minimise distractions and maximise support to help all children to build on their good listening and attention skills n review how information is provided to parents about their children's progress, to help ensure that it is regular and consistent.
- 7 June 2024Good
- 27 September 2018Good
- 17 April 2018Inadequate
Rated Good or Outstanding at 2 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Kirk Merrington Pre-School
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Pre-schools within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.