St Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

A world map, a hymn and the Nativity story give this nursery a distinctly Catholic character. Nursery activities have brought together music, prayer and conversations about families and the wider world. For parents choosing an early start within a faith school, that religious identity matters as much as the session pattern.

The nursery class belongs to St Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School on Hills Terrace in Chatham. Children can start at the beginning of the term after their third birthday, provided a place is available. Places are limited. We hold no published inspection grade for it.

Five part-time sessions each week, taken in either the morning or afternoon, provide the basic shape of attendance throughout the school year. This is a repeated session pattern, so families need to fit their other childcare around the chosen part of the day.

The nursery sits within the Foundation Stage. St Michael’s aims to adapt learning to its children’s needs and to build enthusiasm for learning. Its nursery worship activities give concrete examples of how stories, music and discussion have been combined, rather than treating faith solely as an abstract idea.

In January 2020, children learnt the hymn Follow Me and moved swimming fish to the music before praying. Another activity that month used a world map to locate Australia, followed by discussion of its wildlife and nature and a prayer for care. These examples connect listening and movement with attention to the world beyond the classroom.

During November 2019, nursery children explored the Nativity story in preparation for Advent. They also learnt about belonging to their own families, the school family and God’s family. The emphasis was on ideas young children could connect with their own lives: belonging, care and shared stories.

Support for additional needs is organised at school level through the special educational needs coordinator, or SENCO. The role includes coordinating interventions, arranging referrals and working with outside agencies. Partnership with parents and carers is part of that work, giving families a route into discussions about their child’s individual needs.

Alongside this, the SENCO works with the Pastoral Manager on children’s wellbeing. The Pastoral Manager supports children and families and advises parents on childcare, attendance and parenting skills. Appointments with either role can be arranged through the school office. For a family needing support beyond classroom learning, these are useful points of contact within the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application even when their child already attends the nursery. Medway Council coordinates the allocation of school places; applicants must apply to the council and complete a supplementary information form as well.

Treat the Reception application as a separate task in your family calendar. Starting nursery and applying for school are distinct decisions, and an existing nursery place does not remove the need to apply again.

The attendance model is five morning or five afternoon sessions each week throughout the school year. Choosing between those patterns is a practical childcare decision: consider which part of the day works with work commitments and care elsewhere.

A nursery application form is required, and applications are considered against the school’s nursery admission criteria. The age condition and availability both apply, so reaching the relevant birthday does not itself secure a place.

Personal school tours can be arranged by telephone on 01634 832578. They offer an opportunity to speak with teaching staff and discuss whether the setting suits your family. The school’s address is Hills Terrace, Chatham, ME4 6PX.