St John of Beverley Catholic Primary School Nursery

An imaginary journey to Mars captures the character of Foundation Stage learning at St John of Beverley: children build outdoors, follow an idea and use a book to investigate it. Their interests shape the learning. The nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school on Wilberforce Crescent in Beverley, where the school welcomes families of other faiths and families with no faith background alongside Catholic families.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 27 and 28 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Planning in the Moment is the named approach in Foundation Stage. Much of the learning develops through play chosen by children, with adults looking for opportunities to extend an interest. Children can draw on things they already know, suggest ideas and decide where their play goes next. For parents, the practical distinction is that an activity can develop from a child's curiosity rather than a predetermined topic.

Large wooden construction blocks provide a concrete outdoor example. In one activity, a child imagined travelling to Mars and brought other children into the construction. An adult helped find a factual book; using its index introduced a mathematical element, while reading about the planet corrected an initial idea about its temperature. Building, conversation and investigation became parts of the same experience.

In June 2023, early years children cooperated in play and practised sharing and waiting for a turn. Adults developed their vocabulary and knowledge effectively. These are useful foundations for children learning to explain an idea and participate in a group.

Healthy habits form part of early years learning. In June 2023, children understood the value of exercise, toothbrushing and healthy eating, connecting everyday care with things they could do themselves.

Across the school, parents are asked to report health changes that could affect their child, including allergies and asthma. Prescribed medicines can be administered during school hours, with a completed office form and clearly labelled medication delivered by a parent or carer. This gives families a defined process for sharing care needs.

Operation Encompass links the school with police to support children affected by domestic abuse. Parents can raise welfare concerns with the safeguarding team, following a verbal conversation with a cause for concern form.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority by its normal application deadline. East Riding residents use East Riding of Yorkshire Council; families living elsewhere apply through the authority where they live.

The academy trust is the admission authority, while the local authority coordinates applications. A supplementary information form goes directly to the school. Keeping the two application routes distinct matters: choosing the nursery should never replace applying for Reception.

For enquiries, contact the school on 01482 882487 or email admin@sjbyorks.org. School visits can be arranged by telephone.

Collection changes need to be communicated to the office. The school requires parental consent before releasing a child to a different adult, including someone already known to staff. That makes advance communication essential when another family member is collecting.