Holy Cross School Nursery, Whitwick

Play indoors, exploration outside and a place within a Catholic primary school give Holy Cross nursery its character. The nursery belongs to Holy Cross School A Catholic Voluntary Academy on Parsonwood Hill in Whitwick. It forms part of the school community, rather than operating as a separate setting.

The nursery aims to develop curiosity, independence and positive relationships through play and adult guidance. Those priorities put learning to manage alongside other children on the same footing as discovering new things.

Indoor and outdoor learning are connected here. The outside area has ongoing opportunities for children to explore that complement activities inside. This gives children different spaces in which to follow their interests, with outdoor provision forming part of the learning environment.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) combines learning with developing communication, independence and an understanding of feelings. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 16 and 17 May 2023. In May 2023, books helped children explore emotions and behaviour, while adults demonstrated ways to speak and communicate with others. Learning involved organised activities as well as children choosing materials for themselves. Choice came with responsibility: children were expected to tidy away what they used.

Staff assessed children's skills and adjusted activities when further practice was needed. For a young child, that means opportunities to revisit learning rather than simply moving on to the next task.

Relationships are one of the nursery's stated priorities. It aims to help children build connections with both adults and other children, supporting confidence as they begin learning together. The emphasis on feelings in the May 2023 EYFS findings gives that aim a practical expression through books and adult examples.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school describes a philosophy of valuing each child individually and reducing barriers to learning. Families can raise questions with the SEND coordinator or senior leadership team. This provides a clear contact route for discussing a child's support.

Lunch requires preparation at home. Children bring a packed lunch, and staying through the lunch interval before the afternoon session carries an additional charge. Families using that arrangement need to plan food as well as session attendance.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority admissions process and meet its deadline. Leicestershire County Council coordinates school applications locally; nursery applications go directly to Holy Cross.

Keep these two decisions separate when planning ahead. Choosing nursery provision concerns the child's early years experience, while a Reception place requires its own application. The St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Multi Academy Trust is the school's admission authority, with admissions coordinated by the relevant local authority.

Morning attendance runs from 9:00am to 12:00pm; the afternoon runs from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. The lunch interval can be added before an afternoon session. These distinct timings matter when arranging collection and fitting nursery around family commitments.

Where attendance requires payment, charges apply. Contact the school for current charges, including the additional lunch arrangement. Nursery application forms are obtainable through the school office, which also handles enquiries and requests to see the setting.

Call 01530 832 799 or email office@whx.leics.sch.uk. Calls from withheld numbers are not accepted. Visits can be arranged at a time agreed with the school, giving families an opportunity to see the nursery before deciding.