St Winefride's Catholic Primary School Nursery

Listening to other children and practising numbers outdoors give St Winefride’s early years provision its clearest character. The nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school on St Paul’s Avenue in Wibsey, Bradford. For parents, the useful distinction is between those everyday learning experiences and the separate application needed for a school place later.

In February 2025, early years routines gave children opportunities to hear one another’s contributions and helped them focus on learning. That makes listening an active part of the day: children practise paying attention to someone else, alongside taking part themselves.

In February 2025, early years mathematics teaching included outdoor practice guided by adults. In February 2025, this combination helped children develop early understanding of counting and numbers. The outdoor environment therefore has a learning role, with adults helping children revisit mathematical ideas beyond indoor teaching.

Early writing needs attention. In February 2025, leaders had begun tackling weaknesses in early years writing, but children’s pencil grip and letter formation still needed more consistent attention. For a parent, this is a concrete point to keep in view as a child begins making marks and forming letters, alongside the clearer strengths in listening routines and number work.

Support for additional needs involves the class teacher, SEND coordinator and teaching assistants. The school assesses children’s starting skills and considers parents’ knowledge when deciding what help is needed. This gives families a role in identifying both difficulties and useful approaches already working at home.

An assess, plan, do, review cycle guides SEND support. A Special Support Plan may bring together short-term goals, teaching approaches and additional provision, with a review each term by those involved. Teaching assistants can work individually or with small groups under the class teacher’s direction. The practical value is a process for checking whether support is helping, then adjusting it.

The school’s support network includes Early Years Intervention Services and the Bradford Pre-5s SEN Team. Its teaching assistants have training in approaches including Makaton and Wellcom. These are school support arrangements; families can discuss their child’s progress or concerns with the class teacher and SEND coordinator.

Safeguarding records require care. In February 2025, safeguarding across the school was effective, but records sometimes omitted actions staff had taken in response to safety concerns. The school had begun tackling this. This was a recording weakness alongside effective action, and the distinction matters when assessing the concern.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.

For September 2026 entry, applications went through Bradford Council’s online system, with a closing date of 15 January 2026. The school’s Supplementary Information Form was also required by that date, accompanied by a copy of the child’s birth or baptism certificate. That application cycle is past.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children needing extra SEND support when changing settings or phases, the SEND coordinator liaises with relevant professionals. Additional visits may be possible, arranged with the family and child.

The school office is the contact for admissions enquiries: telephone 01274 677705 or email office@win.bcwcat.co.uk. School visits can be arranged in advance, giving families an opportunity to discuss their application directly. An Early Interest Form covers both nursery and Reception interest; completing an expression of interest should be kept separate from the formal Reception application.