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Castle Kindergarten in Sunderland

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Dec 2024)
·Cheltenham House, Cheltenham Road, Sunderland, SR5 3QH · Sunderland
Number of places
38 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2024
Local authority
Sunderland

About this day nursery

Castle Kindergarten operates multiple nursery schools across the North East, including locations in Albany (Washington), Hylton Castle (Sunderland), Sacriston (Durham), and Haswell (Durham). The nurseries are committed to providing exceptional childcare within a nurturing and stimulating setting, serving as a cheerful daytime alternative to home.

Each facility boasts imaginative indoor and outdoor spaces, equipped with engaging materials and toys to encourage children to play, explore, discover, and create in secure surroundings. The curriculum emphasises both indoor and outdoor learning, with a focus on dynamic and versatile environments that allow children to interact with nature and ignite curiosity.

The kindergarten fosters strong bonds between children of all ages, from babies to toddlers and those preparing for primary school, and their caregivers, who offer warm and attentive support throughout the day. Recognising parents as crucial educators, Castle Kindergarten actively partners with families, offering shared home activities and an effective communication system to ensure continuous learning and development.

Our ethos

Castle Kindergarten is committed to providing exceptional childcare within a nurturing and stimulating setting. They foster strong bonds between children and caregivers, and partner with families, offering shared home activities and effective communication to ensure continuous learning and development. The curriculum emphasises both indoor and outdoor learning, with a focus on dynamic and versatile environments that allow children to interact with nature and ignite curiosity.

What it's like

Staff are enthusiastic and dedicated role models who know children well and celebrate their achievements. Children thrive in the setting, happy and settled, receiving high-quality support as they play and learn. Staff are vigilant and prioritise children's safety, while also providing targeted support to help children manage their emotions.

Spacious Indoor & Outdoor LearningFocus on Creativity & ExplorationSupportive CaregiversStrong Parent PartnershipMultiple Locations

Pricing & funding

Fees are invoiced annually and split into equal monthly payments over 12 months, or 11 months for term-time only children. Part-week attendance is charged based on booked days or half days. A 10% sibling discount applies to the eldest child.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Invoices are issued annually and paid in fixed monthly installments over 11 or 12 months.
  • Term-time only attendance is available for 38 weeks per year, following local authority dates.
  • Offers a 100% fee concession for one week of holiday and 50% for a second week per year.
  • A 10% sibling discount is applied to the eldest child (or one twin/two triplets).
  • Closed for 3 working days between Christmas and New Year, plus bank holidays.
  • Late payment after 14 days from the due date may result in suspension of the child's place.

Key facts

Food

Children attending funded sessions have the option of booking meals and snacks; alternatively, they can bring a healthy packed lunch and snack from home.

Opening hours

Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6pm.

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Castle Kindergarten

Last inspected 11 December 2024

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Staff are enthusiastic and dedicated role models who know children well and celebrate their achievements. Children thrive in the setting, happy and settled, receiving high-quality support as they play and learn. Staff are vigilant and prioritise children's safety, while also providing targeted support to help children manage their emotions.

Inspector highlights

  • Children highly engage in their learning, exploring tools for painting and using projectors for large-scale art.
  • Staff place a high priority on developing children's communication skills, using songs and books to introduce a breadth of vocabulary.
  • Children develop a love of books, becoming immersed in stories and keen to continue reading at home.
  • The curriculum is exceptionally well sequenced, with staff carefully planning the order in which children develop skills, particularly in mathematics.
  • Leaders support staff exceptionally well, providing training to enhance teaching skills and offering guidance where needed.
Inspection #10368326 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are exceptionally well supported. Leaders and staff are very knowledgeable and provide superb support to all children. They go above and beyond to work with a range of professionals and have an open dialogue with health visitors to ensure all children get the help and support they need. Staff signpost parents to a range of services that can provide further advice and support.

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2024

Date: March 2019

  • December 2024Outstanding
  • March 2019Good

Frequently asked about Castle Kindergarten

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more