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Nursery at St Mary's Catholic Primary Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Clever Caterpillars begin their morning with a sung prayer. That small ritual gives the nursery at St Mary's Catholic Primary Academy in Batley a distinctly Catholic character, with faith woven into the children's routine rather than reserved for a separate lesson.
The nursery forms Foundation Stage 1 within the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It belongs to the school's teaching provision, with a part-time morning session. Across the road stands the parish church, St. Mary of the Angels, placing the nursery within a visibly Catholic school setting.
Prayer, stories and movement give the morning some recognisable landmarks. Children sing together at the start of the day, and Wednesday mornings include a weekly PE session. Pip the prayer bear can go home with children for bedtime prayer, connecting a classroom routine with family life.
The EYFS is the nursery's early learning framework. Here, concrete examples include listening to books, answering questions, practising how to form letters and numbers, and developing counting skills. These are small steps towards understanding language and using numbers, rather than simply completing written tasks.
In February 2025, nursery children followed a caterpillar story attentively and responded to questions about the fruit it ate. Daily adult reading was part of early years provision. The example shows children doing more than hearing a story: they were listening for detail and talking about its meaning.
During that same month, children in early years counted accurately, with numerous opportunities to practise mathematics. Staff also supported letter and number formation effectively. Together, these findings give parents specific evidence of early learning through stories, counting and the beginnings of writing.
For concerns about learning or additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact. That gives families a direct starting point for discussing their child's progress and how teaching can adapt to them.
The school's SEND support addresses communication and interaction, physical and sensory needs, learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health. Its staffing structure includes a SEND coordinator and a designated role supporting looked-after children. These are school support arrangements, distinct from the nursery's morning activities, but relevant to families discussing additional needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
Apply online through Kirklees pupil admissions by 15 January in the year your child will start school. A paper Supplementary Information Form (SIF) must also go to the school office for each school admission request. Both steps matter: the online application alone does not complete the school's requirements.
Baptised Catholic children receive admissions priority, and a baptismal certificate is required to support that priority. This is a faith-based admission condition, separate from having attended the nursery. Families should plan the Reception application alongside their child's nursery year.
The part-time nursery morning runs from 8.55am to 11.55am. The early years gate opens at 8.50am, ahead of registration at 8.55am. These timings give families a clear morning schedule to fit around work and other school journeys.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01924 472273 or email office@stmarysbatley.co.uk. The school is on Upton Street, Batley, WF17 8PH.
The nursery children are Clever Caterpillars, in Foundation Stage 1 of the school's EYFS provision.
The part-time session runs from 8.55am to 11.55am. The early years gate opens at 8.50am.
Children begin with a sung morning prayer. Pip the prayer bear can also go home for bedtime prayer.
No. Families must apply separately through Kirklees pupil admissions by 15 January in the starting year and submit a paper Supplementary Information Form to the school office.
Start with the class teacher to discuss concerns, progress and adaptations to teaching.
