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Nursery at Saint Mary's Catholic Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest stories, binoculars and Bible tales give Saint Mary's nursery its own character within a Catholic primary school. Based inside the school building in Congleton, the nursery takes children from three years old and follows the school's term-time calendar. This is a school-shaped day, with morning and afternoon sessions and a lunchtime option between them.
The early years provision was graded Requires improvement following Ofsted's inspection on 9 and 10 May 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. It matters alongside the practical appeal: families should weigh the activities against the weaknesses identified in the sequence of children's learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Saint Mary's aims to develop children's sense of worth, their relationships and their interest in the world around them. For parents, the clearest examples are language and stories: in May 2024, language development received substantial attention in the nursery, giving speaking and listening a prominent place in early learning. Inspectors also found inconsistent phonics teaching across the school at that inspection. Some staff pronounced sounds incorrectly, creating misconceptions that obstructed later learning.
Forest School adds a physical, exploratory strand. Nursery activities have included following a breadcrumb trail after Hazel and Gretal, mixing materials and watching birds through binoculars. Another session involved digging pits, climbing trees and finding reindeer and collecting food for them. These examples bring stories into outdoor play and give children concrete things to investigate.
Faith also reaches the youngest children through shared activities. The Mini Vinnies have read Bible stories to nursery children, connecting them with older pupils through storytelling.
Learning sequence. In May 2024, essential early years knowledge and its teaching order were insufficiently defined. Staff consequently lacked clarity about what nursery children should learn, limiting how securely learning could build. Ask how activities connect to specific learning goals when visiting.
Lunch can be part of the nursery day. Children choose their meals daily; options include roast dinners, homemade dishes and fruit platters, with hot seasonal vegetables each day. Menus accommodate special dietary requirements, and parents can contact the school about dietary concerns. A school lunch carries an additional charge for nursery children.
For support with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's SENDCo can be reached through the office. This gives families a direct contact for discussing their child's needs.
Safeguarding records. In May 2024, safeguarding was effective, but recording was fragmented, making concerns harder to monitor and oversight harder to evaluate. Children were not at immediate risk of harm. The required action was to share and log relevant information across the safeguarding team.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Cheshire East's local authority application process by 15 January in the year their child would start Reception.
Applications seeking consideration under the baptised Catholic children criterion also require a Supplementary Information Form and baptism evidence, returned directly to the school by 15 January. Treat this application as a separate task from arranging nursery sessions.
Morning sessions run from 8.35am to 11.40am, followed by lunchtime from 11.40am to 12.10pm. Afternoon sessions run from 12.10pm to 3.15pm. A full-day option is also offered. The term-time pattern means families need separate arrangements during school holidays.
Eligible children can use Free Early Education Entitlement (FEEE) funding. Applying involves returning the registration form, plus the FEEE form when using government funding. Session attendance, lunchtime and school lunch have separate charging elements; contact the school for current charges.
Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01260 274690 or at admin@saintmaryscongleton.co.uk.
The nursery takes children from three years old.
Morning sessions run from 8.35am to 11.40am and afternoon sessions from 12.10pm to 3.15pm. Lunchtime runs from 11.40am to 12.10pm, and a full-day option is offered.
Free Early Education Entitlement funding can be used subject to eligibility. Families using government funding must return the FEEE form alongside the registration form.
No. A separate application must be submitted through Cheshire East's local authority process by 15 January in the year the child would join Reception. Applications under the baptised Catholic children criterion also require a Supplementary Information Form and baptism evidence sent to the school by that deadline.
Contact the school office on 01260 274690 or email admin@saintmaryscongleton.co.uk to arrange a nursery visit.
