Staff in our Ripples Room provide a calm, nurturing space where the youngest children can begin their nursery journey at their own pace. With a strong focus on emotional security and sensory exploration, practitioners create meaningful connections through one-to-one interactions and responsive care. The environment is carefully designed to encourage curiosity through heuristic play, natural materials and open-ended resources, all supporting early development. Children also benefit from access to outdoor play and cosy spaces for rest and comfort, with strong partnerships built between families and Key Persons from the very start.
Funded Childcare available at
Shotley Bridge Nursery School
Shotley Bridge Nursery School was established in 1990 and opened in 1991. The nursery was the first private nursery in Derwentside and has built a reputation for outstanding childcare over the years. We continue to strive to be at the forefront of childcare and maintain high standards in both care and education.
The Ripples
The Streams
Our baby room provides a warm, nurturing environment where children are able to explore a wide range of invitations and opportunities that stimulate their development. Our baby room is graduate led and staff have received specialist training for this age range, allowing them to cater for each child’s individual needs.
There is a strong focus on schemas and we use authentic and natural resources to allow our babies to engage and explore.
The Rivers
Staff in our toddler room have an excellent understanding of the needs of this age group and build a firm foundation for learning and development. Children are provided with free access to exciting and stimulating invitations including arts and crafts, creative play and songs and rhymes, all of which encourage interaction and socialisation. There is also a quiet area in which to enjoy books, stories rest or sleep.
The Bridges
In our pre-school room, we aim to increase independence and confidence in preparation for primary school. Invitations are designed to meet each child’s individual needs and interests; achieved through a balance of observation and extension of various opportunities. Areas in this room include construction, creative, role-play and a comfortable and inviting book corner where children can relax and have free access to a range of books. As in our other rooms, we use authentic and natural resources and objects as far as possible to engage children and ignite a sense of curiosity about their environment and the world around them. All areas of learning such as Mathematics, Literacy, Science etc…are accessible and encouraged throughout the environment.
Nutritious and Healthy Food
Meal times are social occasions allowing for the development of feeding skills and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of tastes and textures. Older children are encouraged to set tables, serve themselves and use cutlery. A balanced diet is provided to promote growth and development and is in accordance with the guidelines of the Food Standards Agency.
We are excited to announce that we are now working with Apetito to provide a nutritious, tasty and balanced diet for our children. For more details please speak to the nursery staff.
Learning and Development
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to support children’s learning. Each child has a Key Worker and a buddy to ensure the best possible care and communication with parents.
We are dedicated to child development, creating a warm and stimulating environment where children can explore and learn safely. We value parents’ input to understand what children enjoy at home and their learning experiences outside the Nursery.
Children learn in various ways, so we engage in different activities, including daily sensory or paint-based tasks, which children love. Our outdoor space ensures all children play outside at least once a day to enjoy fresh air.
Funding
30 hours funded childcare
Most working parents are eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged from 9 months to 4 years old. Eligibility depends on work requirements, income levels, your child’s age and where you live.
Funding is normally provided for 38 weeks of the school year. At Shotley Bridge Nursery School we offer the option to stretch funding across 51 weeks of the year, allowing families to spread their funded hours more evenly.
Check eligibility at: gov.uk
15 hours funded childcare
All families are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare from the term after their child’s third birthday.
When funding is stretched across the year, 15 hours becomes approximately 11 hours per week, while 30 hours becomes around 22 hours per week.
Many working parents may also qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, which can save families up to £2,000 per year.
Check eligibility at: gov.uk
Important information
Funded childcare is capped by the Local Authority at a maximum of 10 hours per day. Any additional care required outside of funded hours is optional and charged for.
We also offer flexible attendance including half-day sessions of 5.5 hours per day. Our team can help you apply funded hours to your preferred attendance pattern.
A small daily consumable charge helps cover the cost of meals, utilities, learning materials and resources used during funded sessions.
£3 per half day
£6 per full day
This is a voluntary contribution. If families prefer not to participate, they may provide a packed lunch for their child following our healthy lunch guidance.
Book early
Our nursery places fill very quickly. We recommend enquiring as early as possible to secure the sessions and start date you require.