The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Mary's RC Infants 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, new words and early number learning give St Mary's nursery its clearest character. This is the nursery within the Catholic infant school on West Street, Carshalton, with a maximum of 39 places. Children can be considered for entry from the term following their third birthday; the main intake is in the academic year in which they turn four.
At the Ofsted inspection on 26 and 27 September 2023, early years provision was graded Outstanding. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. For parents, the detail behind it matters: language development, regular stories and carefully taught early reading and mathematics.
Language runs through the early years curriculum. In September 2023, children regularly heard books and stories chosen to extend their vocabulary, while staff helped them practise early reading and mathematical knowledge. Music included learning about beats. These are concrete foundations for listening, talking and understanding number, rather than simply a list of activities to fill a session.
EYFS means the early years foundation stage. Here, its learning includes those first reading and number skills, with language developed across curriculum areas. The federation's curriculum approach, Wonder & Discover, also emphasises exploration, curiosity and learning outdoors wherever possible. Its Catholic ethos includes prayer and reflection, making faith part of the educational context families are choosing.
The timetable creates two distinct days. Morning children leave before lunch; children taking the extended 30-hour entitlement stay for a continuous six-hour day that includes lunchtime. Both patterns run across the school week in term time, giving families a regular routine.
The class teacher carries responsibility for children's care. For the 2022/23 nursery intake, settling arrangements included an individual meeting with the teacher before children started fully, lasting 20 minutes. A welcome presentation covered routines, reading and lunches, and a photo booklet introduced the classroom and other school spaces. That staged introduction gave families and children time to begin getting to know the adults and surroundings.
In September 2023, additional needs in early years were recognised promptly, and staff acted on advice from professionals outside the school. Parents can contact the SENCO through senco@stmarysinfschool.org.uk. The infant school's safeguarding team can be reached through the school office, providing a direct route for concerns.
Lunch is included within the 30-hour timetable. Morning-only placements have no lunchtime provision, so families using that pattern need to plan for food after collection.
Nursery attendance gives no priority for Reception at St Mary's and does not guarantee a place. A separate Reception application must go to the London Borough of Sutton. Treat that application as another decision and deadline to manage, even if your child already attends nursery.
The school also requires Reception applicants to send a supplementary form and baptism certificate directly to it. Nursery admission and Reception admission therefore involve separate paperwork; accepting a nursery place does not complete the later application.
The 15-hour morning pattern runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday. For children entitled to the extended 30-hour provision, the full day runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm on those same days. Both are term-time arrangements, and the school does not offer attendance on fewer days within these patterns.
A charged extension from 2.30pm to 3.15pm depends on staffing. Requests go by email to admissions@stmarysinfschool.org.uk; once booked, the decision cannot be changed because staffing ratios are organised around it. Payment is required in advance, with no refund for missed attendance. Contact the school for current charges. Before-school wraparound care is not offered to nursery children.
For general enquiries, use office@stmarysinfschool.org.uk or 020 8647 5711. If another adult will collect your child, notify the office before 1pm that day, preferably in writing.
Children can be considered from the term after their third birthday. The main intake is in the academic year of their fourth birthday.
Morning placements run from 8.30am to 11.30am. The full day for children entitled to extended 30-hour provision runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm. Both operate Monday to Friday during term time.
A charged extension from 2.30pm to 3.15pm is subject to staffing. Email admissions@stmarysinfschool.org.uk to request it. The school described this extension as full for the 2025/26 nursery year.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority and guarantees no place. Apply separately to the London Borough of Sutton, with the school's supplementary paperwork also required.
In September 2023, early years staff identified additional needs promptly and implemented advice from external professionals. Parents can contact the SENCO at senco@stmarysinfschool.org.uk.
