St Oswald's Pre-School
OutstandingBirth to 5Open for decades
A day nursery in Newton Aycliffe for children from birth to 5, open 08:45 to 15:30, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in January 2023. Open since 1992, with 52 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
DL5 4BGWhat 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, 20 January 2023 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children thrive in this inclusive and nurturing setting. They are extremely happy and settle with ease. Staff have transformed the learning environment. They skilfully ensure children experience awe and wonder through a carefully planned curriculum that ignites their curiosity for learning. For example, children are provided with excellent opportunities to develop their creative talents and express themselves through art and design in the setting's 'art studio'. Children explore a range of different mediums and artistic styles. They confidently ascribe meaning to their prints and gleefully discuss how mixing colours together creates new colours.
Staff act as incredible role models for respecting others, sharing and turn taking.
Children play harmoniously together and their behaviour is exemplary. Children demonstrate excellent consideration and empathy. For instance, they beam with delight as they put on their high-visibility waistcoats when they are chosen to be
- 20 January 2023Outstanding
- 29 June 2017Good
- 17 June 2014Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for St Oswald's 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.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.