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Nursery at St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A reading corner, role-play spaces and construction zones give this nursery its shape: children can choose where to play, with adults guiding learning alongside their own discoveries. Nursery forms part of St Benet's Catholic Primary School in Ouston, welcoming three- and four-year-olds from the day after their third birthday. Capacity is 60 part-time places or 30 full-time places.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 17 and 18 December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and exploration drive the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here. In parent terms, children develop language, relationships and practical skills through activities they choose and work guided by adults. The reading corner offers a place for books; role-play spaces invite pretend situations; construction zones give children something to build and solve together. Sensory opportunities add another way to explore.
The 2024–2025 nursery curriculum approached early writing through hands as much as pencils. It included finger gym, dough disco and messy play to develop the movements children need for making marks. Paintbrushes, pipettes, chalk and sticks provided different tools to experiment with, while pretend prescriptions, tickets and invitations gave writing a purpose. Listening activities covered environmental sounds, instrumental sounds, rhythm and rhyme. This was preparation through listening and play.
In December 2024, the indoor learning space supported children's learning effectively, and staff helped children develop communication and personal skills. Children also related calmly and positively to one another. These findings matter for a child learning to join conversations and play alongside peers.
Outdoor learning. At that inspection, the outdoor environment was less developed and did not contribute to learning as effectively as the indoor space. Improving its use was an explicit early-years action. Families who place outdoor learning high on their priorities should weigh that finding alongside the indoor provision.
Independence featured in the 2024–2025 nursery curriculum: children practised choosing resources and hanging up their coats. Settling also formed part of that curriculum, with children learning to become comfortable separating from a familiar adult.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's support structure brings together the class teacher, teaching assistants and SEND coordinator. SEND Support Plans are discussed with parents at least once each term, giving families a regular opportunity to review targets and next steps. The coordinator also liaises with specialists, including Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists.
Lunch is included in the 30-hour nursery day. Before a child starts, families provide information about allergies, dietary preferences and health requirements, so these needs can be shared with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no additional priority under the 2027–2028 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority's Common Application Form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Familiarity with the school does not replace that application.
For children receiving SEND support, teachers pass pupil information to the next class teacher within school. This handover supports continuity of care and learning; it is separate from the allocation of a Reception place.
Morning sessions run Monday to Friday, 8.55am to noon; afternoons run 12.30pm to 3pm. Split-week choices cover Monday and Tuesday all day plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday all day. The 30-hour option runs 8.55am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, including lunch.
The universal entitlement is 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds; eligible working parents can access the extended 30-hour entitlement. A charged extension to 3.30pm is possible. Nursery children can also use breakfast club from 7.30am and wraparound care until 5.30pm, with separate charges. Contact the school for current charges.
School uniform is requested, but nursery children do not need a PE kit. Keep spare clothes, including underwear, and Wellington boots at school. Visits are welcome throughout the year; enquire through the school office on 0191 410 5857 or info@stbo.bwcet.com.
Children are welcome from the day after they turn three. The provision is for three- and four-year-olds.
Choices include weekday mornings, weekday afternoons, beginning- or end-of-week patterns, and a Monday-to-Friday 30-hour day including lunch.
No. Nursery attendance gives no additional Reception priority. Apply separately through your home local authority; the deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Yes. Breakfast club starts at 7.30am, wraparound care runs until 5.30pm, and a nursery extension to 3.30pm is possible. These arrangements carry additional charges.
School uniform is requested. Children need spare clothes, including underwear, and Wellington boots to keep at school. A PE kit is not required.
