St Joseph's Catholic Primary Academy Nursery Review

Rhyme, conversation and early mark making give St Joseph's nursery its starting point. Children explore sounds and become curious about words before formal reading teaching begins. This is provision for three- and four-year-olds within the school's Early Years Unit in Brighouse, with entry from the term following a child's third birthday.

The Catholic character has practical expression in nursery life. Sense is the nursery's chosen charity, while religious education uses The Way the Truth and The Life. For families, faith is part of the learning context rather than simply a label attached to the school.

A full nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm, with morning and afternoon alternatives. Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), organised around topics. Its seven areas bring together language, physical development and relationships with literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression. The emphasis is broader than early reading alone.

Conversation has a clear purpose. Children are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions and use new vocabulary through stories, rhymes and discussion. Nursery phonics concentrates on listening, distinguishing sounds and rhyme, alongside interest in letters and making marks. These activities prepare children to connect spoken language with writing.

Physical and creative learning sit alongside that work. The curriculum includes movement such as climbing and dancing, handling scissors and brushes, exploring materials and using props for imaginative play. These are learning aims across the early years, rather than a checklist of skills children must already have on joining nursery.

In February 2024, Ofsted identified a clear emphasis on vocabulary and language across the early years, with carefully organised activities indoors and outdoors. That combination gives children different settings in which to practise what they are learning. The early years team also connected subject learning to children's starting points in Nursery.

Settling can be gradual where a child needs it. Preparations for joining can include a meeting between parents, the SEND coordinator and relevant staff, with support organised before the start where needed. This gives families an opportunity to explain their child's needs before nursery begins.

Additional support uses a Passport to Success, with individual targets and reviews involving parents. The SEND coordinator can be reached through the school office. Physical access includes ramps, and the nursery has an accessible toilet, concrete features that matter for children needing mobility or personal care support.

School meals are prepared by the kitchen team on the premises. Allergen information is available from school, and special diets can be accommodated wherever possible. Children with medical needs can have individual Health Care Plans developed with parents; the detail of a child's needs therefore belongs in the conversation with staff.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

Transition support is a different matter. Extended classroom visits during the summer term and a gradual start where needed help children become familiar with the next stage. Those arrangements support adjustment; they do not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, and afternoons from noon to 3pm. Additional care can be arranged until 3.30pm through the office. Nursery enquiries and visits go through the main school office on 01484 713037; families can also email admin@st-josephs-brig.calderdale.sch.uk.

Uniform is optional for nursery children. The recommended clothing combines a white polo shirt with a brown cardigan or jumper and grey or black trousers, joggers or leggings. School crests are optional too. Label clothing so that staff can identify it.