Aclet Close Nursery School

About Aclet Close Nursery School

Aclet Close Nursery School, a state nursery in County Durham for children aged two to four, holds a Good rating from Ofsted following its most recent graded inspection in 2017 and an ungraded inspection in 2022 that confirmed the school remains Good. This is a slight shift from its previous Outstanding rating in 2014, but the school continues to perform well within its local authority, where six out of ten nurseries are rated Outstanding. With just 65 pupils on roll, the school offers a small, focused early years setting. The most telling metric for a nursery of this type is not exam results but the Ofsted leadership and management judgement, which was also rated Good in 2017, suggesting consistent oversight and a stable environment for very young children.

Because Aclet Close is a nursery school, it does not produce the standard academic outcome data like Key Stage 2 SATs or Progress 8 scores that parents of older children might look for. Instead, its quality is measured through the Ofsted framework, which in 2017 judged both overall effectiveness and leadership and management as Good. The school’s previous Outstanding rating in 2014 indicates a history of strong performance, though the most recent graded inspection saw a step down. For parents comparing options within County Durham, the local context shows that 60% of similar state nurseries in the area are rated Outstanding, placing Aclet Close in the Good category alongside the remaining four. This is still a solid position, and the school’s small size likely allows for close attention to each child’s early development.

The school offers a range of facilities that support early learning, including a Forest School, a library, a sensory room, and a chapel. Sports provision covers swimming and gymnastics, while extracurricular clubs include gardening and an eco club. For children with additional needs, the school lists specific SEND provisions for dyslexia and speech, language and communication needs, which may appeal to families seeking early support. As a state nursery, admissions are managed through the local authority, and with only 65 places, it is likely to be oversubscribed in some years. This setting will suit parents who want a small, community-focused nursery with outdoor learning opportunities and a clear Ofsted track record, rather than a larger, Outstanding-rated alternative.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Aclet Close Nursery School

Helpful Guides for Parents