--- title: "Durham University Day Nursery — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted" description: "Durham University Day Nursery in Durham — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491#nursery", "name": "Durham University Day Nursery", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Haworth Building", "addressLocality": "Pelaw Leases Lane", "postalCode": "DH1 1TA" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491#webpage" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 54.778135, "longitude": -1.564861 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Durham" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Outstanding", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 3.7, "reviewCount": 3, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 1, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ana Tin" }, "reviewBody": "Most of the staff that used to make this nursery 'outstanding' have left. My grandchild hates going there and her parents feel so guilty that she learns absolutely nothing there. There is only one update every couple of weeks if we are lucky, whereas other reputable nurseries are sending multiple updates a day (while maintaining ratios and spending enough time with children). There are constant outbreaks of disease, e.g. hand foot and mouth and chicken pox is going around at the moment. For chicken pox, we are told if we get the vaccine (as in, to protect us from a disease circulating from the nursery itself) we may have to keep the child home!! They also kept us on under the false promise they would get a new building 'soon'. This went on for years and seems to have been quietly shelved even though there are empty university buildings (e.g. they could have moved to the Mountjoy centre). The current building has needed to be supported with scaffolding for over a year. How is that safe? Not to mention, the other review is from a member of staff 🤦‍♀️", "datePublished": "2025-10-16T14:28:53.140708171Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Heather Bancroft" }, "reviewBody": "Lovely nursery. Would recomend.", "datePublished": "2022-05-14T20:18:36.749278Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Stephen litt" }, "datePublished": "2021-04-30T16:34:49.503929Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "North East", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=North%20East" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Durham University Day Nursery", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Durham University Day Nursery suitable for under-twos?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts children from 0 to 4 years. That includes babies and toddlers under two, alongside older pre-school children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What outdoor space does Durham University Day Nursery offer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children have access throughout the day to an outdoor learning area. The space supports climbing, balancing and running, giving children chances to build large-muscle control and confidence in active play." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Durham University Day Nursery Ofsted registered?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The nursery is registered with Ofsted and holds an Outstanding overall grade, awarded on 01/12/2022." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out about Durham University Day Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children develop strong independence and settle into routines with confidence. Staff give effective support to children with English as an additional language and to those with SEND, while speech and language development receives a clear focus. The outdoor learning area also supports physical development well." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Durham University Day Nursery support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Support is led by an experienced SENCo, with staff and managers working closely to meet needs quickly. Individual support plans, language-focused intervention groups and a strong emphasis on early identification help children with SEND make excellent progress." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [North East](/search?region=North+East) 4. Durham University Day Nursery # Durham University Day Nursery Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Outstanding (Dec 2022) · 3.7 (3 parent reviews) · Haworth Building, Pelaw Leases Lane, Durham, DH1 1TA · Durham Number of places 90 places Age range 0–4 yrs Last inspected Dec 2022 Local authority Durham About - About - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Durham University Day Nursery, established in 2003, is an Outstanding rated (December 2022) childcare setting for children aged 0–4 years. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, all year round (excluding Christmas and bank holidays), the nursery provides a consistent and stimulating environment. The dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the nursery for many years, ensure children settle in happily and confidently, forming strong bonds with their key persons. Children benefit from a varied, ambitious, and interesting educational programme, which includes exciting trips and activities. The nursery places a strong emphasis on developing children's independence, with both younger and older children encouraged to participate in routines and tasks. The setting has excellent support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, led by an experienced and dedicated SENCo, ensuring all children make excellent progress. Staff are particularly focused on developing children's speech and language skills, offering interventions to support this crucial area of development. All children have access to an excellent outdoor learning environment throughout the day, where they can develop large-muscle skills through climbing, balancing, and running. Children who speak English as an additional language receive tailored, individualised support that values their home experiences. Parents are highly satisfied with the progress their children make and appreciate the regular updates they receive. What it's like Children are inspired and thrive at this outstanding nursery, and they are placed at the heart of its care. They enter the setting happily and confidently, developing exceptionally strong and trusting bonds with their key person and other staff members. Children's behaviour is excellent, and they benefit from staff who know them very well and plan a varied, ambitious and interesting educational programme. Outstanding Ofsted rating Strong SEND support Excellent outdoor learning Focus on speech and language Strong parent partnership parent partnership Well-established setting for independence ## Key facts Opening hours Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm, all year round, excluding the Christmas period and bank holidays Term time / All Year All Year Established 2003 ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Durham University Day Nursery Inspection date Dec 2022 Inspection no. 10229480 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50204175)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY257491) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Phone not yet listed Haworth Building, Pelaw Leases Lane, Durham, DH1 1TA [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-1.56486/54.77814/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Durham - [Day nurseries in Durham](/search?q=Durham) - [Day nurseries in North East](/search?q=North+East) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=durham-university-day-nursery-dh1-1ta-ey257491) Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Durham University Day Nursery Last inspected 1 December 2022 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 Children are inspired and thrive at this outstanding nursery, and they are placed at the heart of its care. They enter the setting happily and confidently, developing exceptionally strong and trusting bonds with their key person and other staff members. Children's behaviour is excellent, and they benefit from staff who know them very well and plan a varied, ambitious and interesting educational programme. Inspector highlights - All children show fantastic levels of independence, quickly learning routines and developing determination. - Children who speak English as an additional language receive excellent individualised support, valuing their home experiences. - Children have access to an excellent outdoor learning environment, where they develop large-muscle skills. - The setting has strong support in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with an experienced and dedicated SENCo. - Partnership with parents is incredibly strong, with parents providing excellent feedback and playing an active role in their children's learning. - Staff are highly skilled due to ongoing professional development, and the management team monitors their performance. - Staff place a strong emphasis on developing children's speech and language skills, with intervention groups set up to support children affected by the pandemic. - The management team and staff have an excellent knowledge of safeguarding and child protection issues, with robust procedures in place. Inspection #10229480 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50204175) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > "parents say they are exceptionally pleased with the progress their children make and really value the daily updates they receive." Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision The setting has strong support in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children benefit from an experienced and dedicated special educational needs coordinator. The management team and staff are passionate about ensuring that all children's needs are quickly met. This results in children making excellent progress in their development. Staff place a strong emphasis on developing children's speech and language skills. They introduce and model language consistently and ask questions that encourage detailed replies. The management team recognises the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children's speech development. In response, they have set up small intervention groups to further support children's speech and language development. Outdoor space Children of all ages have access throughout the day to the excellent outdoor learning environment. They enjoy experiences with confidence, excitement and determination. Children develop their large-muscle skills as they climb, balance and run in the outdoor space. ## Parent Reviews of Durham University Day Nursery 3.7 (3) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocI0tFbk1rinX31IPe-L8l5iFHBbwfcTzsjYjVByrTKmFfxfIg=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Ana Tin 7 months ago Most of the staff that used to make this nursery 'outstanding' have left. My grandchild hates going there and her parents feel so guilty that she learns absolutely nothing there. There is only one update every couple of weeks if we are lucky, whereas other reputable nurseries are sending multiple updates a day (while maintaining ratios and spending enough time with children). There are constant outbreaks of disease, e.g. hand foot and mouth and chicken pox is going around at the moment. For chicken pox, we are told if we get the vaccine (as in, to protect us from a disease circulating from the nursery itself) we may have to keep the child home!! They also kept us on under the false promise they would get a new building 'soon'. This went on for years and seems to have been quietly shelved even though there are empty university buildings (e.g. they could have moved to the Mountjoy centre). The current building has needed to be supported with scaffolding for over a year. How is that safe? Not to mention, the other review is from a member of staff 🤦‍♀️ [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xWa2VWOVBNRmRZTVhCWWQyOXhUbU5zVFdWUFFVRRAB!2m1!1s0x487e7d864abf985b:0xbc95874778f1a2a6) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXfbQ9AR0DisLagPsfh8fKPR7nm_Py1XLecXbSwjC9DHZFSynI=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba4) Heather Bancroft 4 years ago Lovely nursery. Would recomend. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQyanVLY3dnRRAB!2m1!1s0x487e7d864abf985b:0xbc95874778f1a2a6) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUTMSP6o3EpFE6wVeA3g0NpTXd_g-tWGPf5HchIc6nicuyvQpScbw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba6) Stephen litt 5 years ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURLcE5IdFZnEAE!2m1!1s0x487e7d864abf985b:0xbc95874778f1a2a6) Reviews from Google for Durham University Day Nursery. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13588916191701869222&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2022 Date: August 2009 - December 2022 Outstanding - February 2017 Good - June 2015 Good - August 2009 Good ## Frequently asked about Durham University Day Nursery ### Is Durham University Day Nursery suitable for under-twos? ### What outdoor space does Durham University Day Nursery offer? ### Is Durham University Day Nursery Ofsted registered? ### What stands out about Durham University Day Nursery? ### How does Durham University Day Nursery support children with SEND? ## Nearby day nurseries in Durham Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Durham University Day Nursery. - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 0.6 mi ### The Laurels Child Care Durham · DH1 2EY ](/nursery/the-laurels-child-care-dh1-2ey-ey337804) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### Yellow Wellies Durham · DH1 4SG ](/nursery/yellow-wellies-dh1-4sg-ey360601) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.8 mi ### Stepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Durham · DH1 4HF ](/nursery/stepping-stones-day-nursery-durham-ltd-dh1-4hf-ey436726) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.1 mi ### Kids 1st - Durham Durham · DH1 5SE 5.0(15 reviews) ](/nursery/kids-1st-durham-dh1-5se-ey334642) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.4 mi ### Busy Bees (Durham) Durham · DH1 5HW 4.5(11 reviews) ](/nursery/busy-bees-durham-ltd-dh1-5hw-ey548257) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.4 mi ### Adventure Valley Day Nursery Durham · DH1 5SG 4.0(12 reviews) ](/nursery/adventure-valley-day-nursery-dh1-5sg-2548520) [See all nurseries in Durham →](/search?q=Durham) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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