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Nursery at St Matthew's Catholic Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and growing independence shape the early years approach at St Matthew’s. Children can attend the school’s nursery from age 3, joining a Catholic primary setting on Saffron Drive in Allerton, Bradford.
The school aims to build learning around each child’s starting point and needs. Its Catholic character also matters to the choice: the school describes religious practice and doctrine as extending across school life, and asks families to support that ethos.
Learning through play is the central approach. The Foundation Stage follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework covering young children’s care, development and learning. In parent terms, exploration and practical experience form part of the curriculum, rather than being separate from learning.
Adults take an active but measured role. They step in to extend children’s understanding when needed, then give them room to work independently when appropriate. That balance is intended to help children build confidence as well as knowledge. The approach combines investigating through play, staying involved in learning and developing ideas for themselves.
Language receives a clear emphasis. The school aims to expand children’s vocabulary so they can express themselves and interact positively with others. For a young child, that connects learning with the everyday business of explaining an idea, joining a conversation and making themselves understood.
The school aims to give children opportunities to explore their existing interests and discover new ones introduced by adults. The school also aims to broaden their experience through direct encounters with the world around them. Within the wider EYFS reading provision, RWI is the named scheme used to teach reading.
Foundation Stage teaching assistants form part of the early years team. Across the school, a special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) and a Family Support Worker provide distinct roles for learning needs and family support. Parents can raise safeguarding worries immediately through the school office.
Working with parents is an explicit early years aim. The school seeks a partnership between home and school that helps children’s learning, while recognising their individual needs and starting points.
School catering is provided by Caterlink. Families whose children have special dietary requirements are asked to complete the Caterlink Special Diet Form, giving them a specific route for communicating those requirements.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in the oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application to their home local authority through the normal admissions process. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026. A Supplementary Information Form, with supporting evidence, was also required by that date for families seeking placement in a specific category, such as Catholic. That application cycle is past.
The school office handles general enquiries on 01274 541737 or at office@stm.bcwcat.co.uk. The address is Saffron Drive, Allerton, Bradford, BD15 7NE.
Use this contact route for a nursery enquiry; Reception applications go separately to the home local authority.
Children can attend from age 3.
The Foundation Stage uses the EYFS framework and learning through play. Adults extend children’s understanding when needed and allow independent exploration when appropriate.
No. It neither guarantees a place nor confers priority under the oversubscription criteria. A separate application must be made to the home local authority.
The school’s caterer is Caterlink. Families whose children have special dietary requirements are asked to complete the Caterlink Special Diet Form.
Call 01274 541737 or email office@stm.bcwcat.co.uk.
