Our children are organised into 5 classes: Nursery, Class 1 (Reception), Class 2 (Year 2 and 3), Class 3 (Year 3 and 4) and Class 4 (Year 5 and 6).
We have an admission limit of 15 pupils per year group.
Admissions to Nursery are managed via the school office and admissions to school (Reception upwards) are managed by Local Authority admissions (https://www.durham.gov.uk/primaryschoolplaces). If you are considering making an application to join our school we warmly encourage you to visit us prior to doing so.
Admission to our Nursery Class
Pre-school provision is provided in our fabulous Nursery for children who are 2, 3 and 4. The Government fund different amounts of childcare for children of Nursery age depending of each family’s circumstances. Information about this funding can be found at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk and please give us a call in the school office (01388 718263) if you would like to discuss what we offer further or to visit the school.
We currently offer free 15 free hour places for 2 years olds (morning sessions only) and free 15 and 30 hour provision for all 3 and 4 year olds. Additional sessions can be purchased and Nursery age children can also stay for lunch between any morning and afternoon sessions.
Children can start in our 2 year old provision from their 2nd birthday. Because of the availability of funding for many 2 year olds, 3 year olds can start with is from their 3rd birthday using their 2 year old code for funding. Please call the school office if you would like to discuss your options further. Prior to starting in the setting parents/carers will need to provide the school office with their relevant funding code and then re-validate these as required throughout the year.
Admission to our school
We warmly welcome new families to the school where we have places available. Applications for admissions are made via the Local Authority directly.
Places for pupils to join Reception class are in line with national timescales. This application needs to be made by all families, even those who already attend our Nursery. These applications are made in the Autumn term before a child turns 4 and information for these applications are found here https://www.durham.gov.uk/primaryschoolplaces.This website also holds all relevant information regarding appealing an admission decision on the page School admissions-appeals.
Where pupils are making an In-year transfer, families need to contact Local Authority admissions, who will be able to advise whether places are available at our school or other local schools. They can be contacted via the contact details available on https://www.durham.gov.uk/primaryschoolplaces. If your child has an EHCP in place then please see below for the next steps in the admission process.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
We are committed and passionate about identifying, supporting and meeting the needs of all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We aim to make this as supportive and reciprocal experience as possible and therefore encourage parents/carers to discuss the identified needs with the school prior their child starting so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented. Advice from the LA SEN services and/or other agencies may be requested to ensure that each child’s needs are understood and can be meet appropriately.
We do not discriminate against or disadvantage children with disabilities. As we do have limited access to the school building for disabled pupils, specific arrangements to cater for the pupil’s needs need to be put in place as soon as possible so as no to not delay admitting the pupil.
If you would like to discuss your child’s SEND requirements in detail then please contact the school to arrange a conversation or visit to the school.
Applying for a school place if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school. Please continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form, as part of the admission process to a new school. You continue to have a right to request a particular school and the school will be consulted with (Via the SEND department) regarding the allocation of a place which best meets the needs of your child.
Contact Us
Please contact cockfield@durhamlearning.net or 01388 718263 if you have any questions about nursery or school places or any questions about funding – it can be very complex!.