Shotley Bridge Nursery School

19/08/2026

For the past few months the children have been caring for our garden, watering and assisting with pruning as needed. Today our lettuce was finally ready to harvest. When we pulled the lettuce up, we found lots of tiny roots on the bottom and learned how the roots sucked nutrients and water from the soil which helped the lettuce grow. We then had to pull all of the soil from the bottom of the lettuce and carefully pulled it apart piece by piece. The lettuce was very muddy and had some tiny worms and slugs on so we talked about whether it was ready to eat, establishing that it needed to be washed to get rid of any germs first. The children used a gentle massaging technique to wash the leaves as they were very fragile and broke easily. Once they were clean, we spent time slicing the leaves with a knife but quickly discovered it was easier to tear the leaves into smaller pieces. Once our whole lettuce was prepared, we enjoyed the fruits of our labour for afternoon snack! 🥬🍴🔄

15/08/2026

Planning to use funded childcare from September?

The deadline to apply is 31st August, so now’s the time to make sure your childcare code is sorted.

Apply online through GOV.UK, then send your code over to our nursery team so we can get everything in place for September.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or need a hand with what to do next, please get in touch, we would be delighted to help.

05/08/2026

Could your childcare payments go a little further?

With Tax-Free Childcare, the government adds £2 for every £8 you pay into your online childcare account.

That means £200 paid in becomes £250 towards your childcare fees, with eligible families able to receive up to £2,000 per child each year.

You can then use the money in your account to pay your nursery fees directly.

Visit GOV.UK to check whether you’re eligible and find out how to apply.

24/07/2026

This afternoon, the children had a special mission to Omega Pets, our local Pet Shop, with hope to find some aquatic friends for our fish tank. During our travels, the children tuned into their senses, observing what they could see and hear. As we reached the shop, the children were given the opportunity to carefully explore and observe various fish in their display tanks, we talked about all the different species, the colours and size, incorporating enriched mathematical language. The children curiously watched as the man kindly retrieved some of the fish, carefully transporting them into bags ready for us to take back to nursery. We learnt the importance of water and how the fish require this in order to survive, compared our differences, highlighted why it’s difficult to handle fish and why we often only use our eyes to interact with them. Upon returning to nursery, the children all gathered around to have a look at the fish we’d selected, learning their specie name, their colour and size. After some time to acclimatise to the tank in the bags, the fish were released in time for everyone to say 'Hello' to our new friends on the way out this evening. We are excited for all of the children to see our new additions next week! 🐠💧🐟

13/07/2026

A magical Saturday celebrating our School Leaver's Graduation 💫💜💙

26/06/2026

At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, we believe some of the most magical learning happens when we pause and embrace the moment.

As the children embraced this morning’s thunderstorm, we were reminded that after a very hot week, the rain brought not only welcome relief but also endless opportunities for joy, wonder, and discovery.

As early years educators, we know that core memories are often created through sensory experiences,feeling the raindrops, listening to the rumble of thunder, watching the changing skies, and experiencing the world with all of their senses.

What better way to engage every sense than with a summer thunderstorm?

At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, we celebrate these magical moments, where children can be curious, adventurous, and fully present in the world around them. These are the experiences that inspire awe, build confidence, and create lasting memories. Embracing the magic of early years and the joy of being in the moment. ✨⛈️ ☔️

25/06/2026

Looking for something simple to try at home during the warmer weather? All you need is a bowl of water, a paintbrush or sponge, and an outdoor surface such as a fence, patio or path.

As children paint with water, they are doing far more than keeping cool. This simple activity supports early mark making, hand eye coordination and fine motor control, helping to build some of the skills that support early writing.

It also encourages curiosity as children notice the water appearing, changing and drying in the warmth.

A lovely activity for warm days at home, especially in a shaded spot with a drink close by.

23/06/2026

The sun has finally clocked in ☀️

Hot weather can be gorgeous for garden play, paddling pools and post nursery ice lollies, but little bodies can heat up quickly.

A few simple reminders for sunny days:

☀️ Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight
🧴 Use SPF 30 or above with good UVA protection
⏰ Reapply sun cream often, especially after water play
🌳 Find shade where you can, particularly between 11am and 3pm
👒 Choose wide brimmed hats and loose, lightweight clothes
💧 Offer drinks regularly, even when children don’t ask
🛏️ Keep bedrooms cooler by closing curtains or blinds during the day
🚗 Never leave children in cars, even for a minute
🚫 Avoid covering prams with blankets or muslins, as this can trap heat and stop air flowing

16/06/2026

Ofsted inspections have changed, which means nursery reports now look a little different for families.

Instead of one overall grade, nurseries are now assessed across several separate areas, giving parents a clearer picture of what is working well and where a setting is continuing to develop.

We’ve put together a simple guide to explain what has changed, what the new terms mean, and how this helps families when choosing a nursery.

Read the full guide here.

Choosing a nursery is one of the biggest decisions a family makes, and an Ofsted report is often part of that choice. From November 2025, the way nurseries

11/06/2026

Looking for your next role in early years?

When you join our team, you’ll have access to a benefits package designed to offer support at work and beyond.

Our staff benefits include confidential 24/7 wellbeing support through Health Assured, structured counselling, life and leadership coaching, virtual GP access, menopause support, work health assessments, occupational health support, the Wisdom app and online portal, income protection, life insurance and death in service.

We also offer practical everyday benefits, including uniform support, food and snacks at work, wellbeing treats, duvet days, flu jabs, wellbeing baskets, mileage payments when covering at other nurseries, annual leave incentives for long service and a recommend a friend bonus.

For some roles, a joining incentive may also be available, paid 50% when you start and 50% when you pass probation.

Get in touch to find out more about our current vacancies.