Little Cuthbert's Nursery at Our Lady & St Peter's

Messy play, a gradual start and room for a nap give Little Cuthbert's its practical character. This nursery for two- and three-year-olds sits within Our Lady & St Peter's Catholic primary school on George Street in Bridlington. It combines early learning through play with childcare extending beyond the school day.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 12 and 13 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Play shapes the learning. Across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), adults guide some activities while children choose and develop others. In parent terms, this brings together communication, physical development, creativity, relationships and early problem-solving through connected experiences. Children can experiment, test ideas and play alongside their peers; adults observe their interests and achievements to plan what comes next.

Messy play is an explicit part of Little Cuthbert's offer. Spare clothes and replacement shoes belong in the nursery bag, giving children practical freedom to get involved. The nursery says understanding each child's interests and needs helps staff shape their learning.

By November 2024, the early years curriculum identified the knowledge and vocabulary children would learn, and children were familiar with classroom routines. Early writing needed further attention: teaching for younger pupils was not helping them develop these skills sufficiently. For parents, this makes the balance between playful exploration and adult support for writing an important consideration.

Catholic life also has a physical place in the school. Sacred Spaces in classrooms and communal areas provide places for prayer and worship, making the school's faith visible in its learning environment.

Settling follows the child’s pace. Staff discuss parents' worries and introduce nursery gradually when a child is upset, so the start can be adjusted around their comfort. Naps are accommodated, and children can attend while wearing nappies or learning to use the toilet. Families supply wipes, nappies and extra changes of clothing.

Lunch offers a straightforward choice: buy a school meal or send a packed lunch to eat with nursery friends. Staying through lunchtime carries no additional time fee, although purchasing a meal is separate. This distinction matters when planning a longer day.

The staffing structure includes an EYFS leader, a nursery nurse and an early childhood educator. For additional learning needs, parents begin with the class teacher, who can involve the special educational needs coordinator. Support may draw on Speech and Language Therapy Services or an Educational Psychologist. This gives families a route from an initial concern to specialist assessment where needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027/28 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. Familiarity with the school does not replace that application.

For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Use the local authority's Common Application Form and return the Supplementary Information Form to the school where relevant to the category being claimed. Keep both parts of the process in view when planning the next step.

Funded attendance has several patterns. A 30-hour place consists of five six-hour days across 38 weeks. Fifteen hours can cover five mornings, five afternoons, or two full days plus a half day. The morning and afternoon sessions each last three hours. Choose the pattern that fits your family's week.

All three- and four-year-olds have a universal 15-hour entitlement over 38 weeks, while eligible working families can access 30 hours. Some two-year-olds qualify for 15 hours through benefits or specified care, disability or EHC-plan circumstances. Funding begins in the term following the qualifying birthday. Working-family codes need renewal every three months, and families sharing funding with another setting must tell the nursery so hours can be divided correctly.

Funded hours carry no top-up fee. Extra sessions, including those before funding starts, are chargeable, subject to availability and paid half-termly in advance. Extended childcare runs from 7.45am to 5pm at an additional charge; contact the school for current charges.

Registration enquiries and visits go through the school office on 01262 670138 or admin@olspyorks.org. An original passport or birth certificate is required to confirm a child's date of birth before a place can be offered.