The school year runs from early September to mid-late July. Schools divide the year into three terms, each term divided into half terms:

• Autumn term runs from early September to mid December.
  • The half-term holiday is in October. The end of term Christmas holiday is December/January.
• Spring Term runs from early January to Easter (April).
  • The half-term holiday is in February. The end of term holiday is in April.
• Summer Term runs from Easter (April) to mid-July. 
  • The half-term holiday is in May. The end of term is in July. 

A half-term holiday lasts about one week (usually nine full days, including two weekends).

The Christmas holidays separate the autumn and spring terms, and the Easter holidays separate the spring and summer terms. Each of these holidays lasts about two weeks.

The summer holiday begins in late July and usually lasts about six weeks.

Beechdale Nursery Term Dates can be found at the bottom of this page.

Our Attendance Policy can be viewed here; Beechdale Nursery School - Policies and Procedures

School attendance and absence

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Durham County Council place a high priority on good school attendance.

Why school attendance is important

Children who attend school regularly are much more likely to achieve positive outcomes both during their childhood and later in life. Being in school, around friends and teachers plays a big part in children's wellbeing and their wider development. We want all children to thrive throughout their lives and attending school to learn and develop socially is an important part of achieving this.

Holidays in term time

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All pupils are expected to attend every day the school is open. Parents are advised to book leave during school holiday periods.

Requests for leave of absence

Parents must request permission in advance from school for leave of absence for any reason, including holidays.

Headteachers cannot grant leave during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances and cannot grant permission retrospectively.

Generally, a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not be an exceptional circumstance.

Further information can be found here: School attendance - Durham County Council