St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Blaydon: Nursery Review

Shared books and an early start in mathematics give St Joseph’s early years provision its clearest character. The nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school on Croftdale Road in Blaydon-on-Tyne, bringing preschool provision into a school setting rather than a separate childcare establishment.

At the Ofsted inspection of 13 and 14 March 2023, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome. For families, the distinction matters when weighing the nursery against independently inspected settings.

Books have a practical role from the beginning: adults share them with children during early years transition work. This gives stories a place in the experience of moving into school, connecting early reading with a change that can feel substantial to a young child.

Mathematics also starts early. In March 2023, children in early years faced high expectations in mathematics and were making a positive beginning. The emphasis gives parents something concrete to consider alongside childcare hours: the provision includes foundations for learning, as well as time in a school setting.

Early reading needs attention too. The March 2023 inspection identified errors in sounds and their written forms among pupils beginning to read, with adults sometimes taking too long to correct them. This finding concerns those earliest reading stages across the school, rather than naming the nursery specifically. Accurate correction is a useful point to discuss when considering how a child’s first reading skills will develop.

Additional needs have a clear contact route through the school office to the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo). The school uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle: parents contribute to understanding a child’s needs, agree support with staff and take part in reviews at least three times a year. That makes support a continuing conversation rather than a single decision.

Ramps and an accessible toilet are school facilities relevant to families considering physical access. For children who will use school catering, medical diets require an application and supporting medical confirmation. Processing can take up to three weeks, so allergy arrangements need advance planning. Gateshead School Catering cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free meal.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the arrangements for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority’s Common Application Form, with a closing date of 15 January 2027. Put that deadline in the diary even if your child already attends nursery.

Shared books during early years transition work are an educational connection. They do not change the admissions process or reserve a place.

Families can request part-time provision of 15 hours or full-time provision of 30 hours. The nursery application asks which funding entitlement applies and requests an eligibility code where possible, alongside the preferred starting date. This links the requested attendance pattern with the family’s funding position.

For enquiries, telephone 0191 4143108 or email info@stjb.bwcet.com. School visits can be arranged by telephone. Use the school’s term calendar when planning family commitments: its dates differ from Gateshead Council’s.