Opening hours
7:30am-6pm
Mains House Nursery
Ofsted: Outstanding
(May 2023)
Number of places
36 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
Durham
About this day nursery
Mains House Nursery is a warm and welcoming setting in Chester-le-Street, dedicated to providing exceptional care and education for children aged 0-5. The nursery fosters a child-centred approach, basing its curriculum on children's interests to ensure engaging activities and opportunities.
The goal is to cultivate a love of learning in every child, preparing them for a smooth transition to school. The dedicated team, led by Nursery Managers Connie and Leanne, are highly qualified, with degrees in Early Years and at least Level 3 qualifications for all Early Years Practitioners, alongside Paediatric First Aid Certification.
Mains House understands the significance of starting nursery and aims to make the experience positive for both children and parents, offering flexible hours and supporting families. The small, intimate environment allows staff, children, and families to build strong relationships, creating a nurturing and confident community.
Our ethos
Mains House Nursery adopts a child-centred curriculum that is based on children's interests to create engaging activities and opportunities. The nursery aims to foster a love of learning and prepare children for school. They focus on building strong relationships within a nurturing community.
What it's like
Children are highly motivated and eager to learn at this extremely welcoming nursery. They benefit from a wide range of challenging and innovative activities and experiences that staff know will interest and excite them. Staff provide them with rich opportunities to explore independently with natural and tactile materials and resources.
Homely atmosphereChild-centred learningHighly qualified staffFlexible hoursSmall, community feel
Pricing & funding
Fees are structured by age (under and over two years) with full-day and five-hour half-day sessions available. Standard rates include all meals and snacks prepared on-site, plus early drop-off and enrichment activities. Funded sessions do not charge for consumables but require a meals fee unless the child receives EYPP.
Funding accepted
15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
Good to know
- Fees include breakfast, morning snack, two-course lunch, afternoon snack, and tea cooked on site.
- No charge for early drop-off between 7:30 am and 8 am.
- Consumables and activities like Forest School or Story Shakers are included at no extra charge.
- A 10% discount is available for full-time bookings.
- For funded sessions, families can choose to provide a packed lunch to avoid meal charges.
- All meals, snacks, and optional swimming lessons are free for children receiving EYPP.
Key facts
Age range
0-5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2017
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Mains House Nursery
Last inspected 18 May 2023 · Julie Foers
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 highly motivated and eager to learn at this extremely welcoming nursery. They benefit from a wide range of challenging and innovative activities and experiences that staff know will interest and excite them. Staff provide them with rich opportunities to explore independently with natural and tactile materials and resources.
Inspector highlights
- Children build a wormery and care for ducklings they watch hatch from eggs in an incubator.
- Children explore where food comes from as they plant seeds and grow vegetables during trips to the nursery allotment.
- Excellent support for children's physical development through rich opportunities for moving, stretching and climbing.
- Outstanding support for children's developing communication skills.
- Partnership work with local schools is a real strength of the setting.
Inspection #10285600 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents say staff know their children very well.
Parents say their children have developed rapidly in confidence and independence.
They praise the 'exemplary communication' and 'frequent and in-depth' reviews staff provide on their children's progress.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
There is excellent support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff work closely with other professionals in education and health to provide a very consistent and well-planned approach to support for children.
Outdoor space
Children benefit daily from fresh air and exercise. They also learn how to assess their own risks, for example, judging what speed to take when riding on bikes down slopes in the nursery garden.
Parent Reviews of Mains House Nursery
5.0
(5)
HA H
7 months ago
Mains house nursery is amazing, like a home away from home! The staff are so lovely and caring and really do become a second family! Both of my sons have been to mains house nursery, and both have enjoyed and loved it! This nursery offers different and varied activities, from swimming, to attending the craft cabin weekly, to growing and harvesting their own vegetables at the allotment! There is so much variation in the ways that the children learn and engage! I am always recommending them to anyone who asks! Thank you for everything mains house nursery! For giving our little ones the best start and experiences!
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Fern G
2 years ago
The most amazing nursery around. I spent time visiting a lot of nursery's in the area and mains house is by far the best. First time mum with a lot of anxiety about leaving my daughter when I finished maternity leave, the two Amy's and Janine have looked after my little girl since 8 month old and they now feel part of the family. My little one adores going in and the staff spend quality time making sure each child is looked after as they would at home. The manger Connie is fantastic and has been a life line when dealing with personal problems. I couldn't recommend this nursery more! Thank you guys for all your hard work, it is truley appreciated x
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Kelly Haworth
4 years ago
Amazing nursery and highly recommend. Our daughter went here and our son will be joining in September. Their professionalism and their hard working staff that work at this nursery are incredible. It really is a home from home.
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Joanne Burnip
5 years ago
Robert Sorgedrager
8 years ago
Reviews from Google for Mains House Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: October 2017
- May 2023Outstanding
- October 2017Outstanding
Frequently asked about Mains House Nursery
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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