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Nursery at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Bodmin
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Counting rhymes, familiar stories and play give the nursery at St Mary's its character. This is the school's own nursery on Barn Lane in Bodmin, within a Catholic primary setting. The school aims to develop children's independence and confidence alongside its Gospel values, making personal development part of the learning day.
Play combines activities guided by adults with choices children make themselves. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and care together here: children practise talking, working with others, handling feelings and asking questions. Planning changes in response to their interests and needs, so a topic can develop around what engages the children.
For nursery mathematics, Developmental Matters provides the progression, with counting and rhymes each day. Numbers become part of repeated, familiar activities. Songs, stories and nursery rhymes also support language, while conversations with adults and other children give them time to practise expressing ideas. Early years participates in The Plymouth Oracy Project, with an emphasis on talking about learning.
Topics draw on carefully chosen books and are extended through visitors, trips and additions to the classroom. The learning environment changes with children's interests and development. Outdoor provision is accessible daily, giving learning a regular place beyond the indoor classroom.
At the April 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that the early years emphasis on independence helped children concentrate on activities for longer. Familiar stories also helped build their enjoyment of books. For parents, the useful combination is time to pursue an activity and repeated opportunities to join in with language.
A nursery leader, deputy nursery leader and nursery assistant form the nursery team. Nursery children join the school for lunch at 11.45am, placing a shared meal before the midday session change.
Parents receive an outline of learning each half term, helping them connect activities at home with the nursery's topics. ClassDojo carries messages and allows families to share experiences. Consistent routines and positive relationships with families are central to the school's early years approach.
The school's SEND team brings together the special educational needs coordinator, pastoral lead and teaching assistants. Support covers physical needs, speech and language, autism, cognition and learning, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Families can contact the team through ClassDojo or the school office. In April 2025, children's abilities were checked as they entered early years so that emerging needs could be recognised promptly and support put in place.
A separate application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the local authority's normal Reception process and meet the deadline for their child's intake. Choosing nursery provision and applying for school admission are separate decisions.
Plymouth CAST is the school's admissions authority, responsible for admission decisions and policies. The local authority is the application route for the normal school intake.
The nursery session change takes place at noon. Keep that handover point in mind when planning collection around the day.
To discuss joining and arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01208 73218 or email secretary@st-marys-bod.cornwall.sch.uk. A visit offers families a chance to discuss the provision before making their decision.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority's normal process.
Children follow Developmental Matters, with daily counting and rhymes.
Yes. Early years has access to outdoor provision daily.
Nursery children join the school for lunch at 11.45am. The session change is at noon.
Use ClassDojo or call the school office on 01208 73218.
