Woodlands Day Nursery
Good★ 5.0 on GoogleBirth to 5Open a few years
A day nursery in Durham for children from birth to 5, open 07:30 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in August 2023. Open since 2022, with 55 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
DH7 8XQWhat 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.
- 9 February 2026 — Concern: actions taken what Ofsted published
Ofsted inspector, 21 August 2023 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children are happy, confident and motivated to learn in this welcoming and homely nursery. They thrive through the close and loving bonds they form with the nurturing and caring staff. Staff give babies who are settling plenty of cuddles to help make those initial attachments. This helps to develop reassurance, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Older children are fascinated by what they notice within their environment. For instance, they notice the light reflecting on the wall and point this out to staff. Staff offer additional resources, such as a mirror, so that children can create their own light reflection. Children concentrate intensely as they count out the scoops of flour they need to make play dough. They use various-sized spoons to stir the ingredients. Children recall that they need oil and water to make the dough. They are introduced to new vocabulary, such as 'crumble', 'combine' and 'knead'.
Children actively use their hands and finger muscles to squeeze the dough, which strengthens their fine motor skills needed in preparation for early writing. Young children and babies climb on low-level equipment and play with sensory materials to develop their muscle control.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- support staff to help children resolve conflict for themselves and to understand the impact of their actions on others.
- 21 August 2023Good
- 14 March 2023Inadequate
Rated Good or Outstanding at 1 of the last 2 graded inspections.
Still missing for Woodlands 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.