The Sunshine Day Nursery
GoodBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in Peterlee for children from birth to 8+, open 07:30 to 17:45, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in May 2023. Open since 2001, with 66 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
SR8 5UDWhat 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.
- 23 January 2026 — Concern: actions taken what Ofsted published
Ofsted inspector, 26 May 2023 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children thrive in a positive and happy environment at this very friendly and inclusive nursery. They form close bonds with staff, who are caring, supportive and kind. There is strong support for children's personal, social and emotional development. Staff praise and encourage children. They carefully keep aside children's pictures and encourage them to show off their achievements to their friends at the end of the session. This helps to raise children's confidence and selfesteem. Secure daily routines help children to settle well. Children are encouraged to sign themselves into the setting at the beginning of the day. This helps them to feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.
Staff support children's growing independence well. Children learn how to put on their coats and hats. Staff support them to use cutlery safely, drink carefully from open cups and pour their own drinks at mealtimes. There is good support for children's physical development. Children stretch, roll and run during movement sessions in the nursery's enclosed garden. They develop strength and balance as they touch their toes and balance on one leg. Children enjoy rich opportunities daily for fresh air and exercise. They are active, curious and motivated to learn.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- develop ways to support and settle children at the beginning of group sessions, in order to help them to be ready to listen and learn.
- 26 May 2023Good
- 5 September 2017Good
- 27 November 2014Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for The Sunshine Day Nursery
- 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.