St John Vianney Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Four learning spaces give this nursery its character: an indoor classroom, an outdoor classroom, a garden and the purple area. The purpose-built nursery at St John Vianney Catholic Primary School opened in September 2022, giving young children their own base within the school in Mount Nod, Coventry.

Children can start in the September following their third birthday. Catholic faith shapes the nursery's aims: it wants children to develop confidence, kindness and curiosity, with Christ central to their learning. For families, that makes the religious character part of the nursery experience from the start.

Play is the main route into learning. Adults guide some activities, while children initiate others; planning takes account of children's interests and needs. That gives the day room for both adult direction and children's own ideas. Learning extends between indoor and outdoor spaces, with the garden and purple area adding different places to explore.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. In parent terms, development involves more than early reading and counting: physical skills and relationships have their own place. Exploring through play, persisting with an activity and thinking through ideas are part of the approach too.

The school hall and field extend the nursery's learning space. Children use them for games, gymnastics, dance, drama and Forest schools. These activities bring movement and outdoor exploration into the experience alongside classroom play.

Preparation starts before the first nursery day. Families attend a welcome meeting with the nursery teacher, followed by opportunities to stay and play. A teacher and teaching assistant also visit the child's home before the start date. This gives children contact with staff and the setting before they begin attending.

Parents receive an information pack and complete forms before their child starts. The nursery aims to build relationships with families and respond to children's differing needs, rather than treating preparation as paperwork alone.

Tapestry keeps parents connected with nursery life through photographs, videos and messages. It gives families something concrete to talk about with their child and a channel for contact with the team. Support for learning includes a nursery teacher and Senior Early Years Educators.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at St John Vianney Catholic Primary School. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Treat choosing a nursery place and applying for Reception as separate decisions, even when the intention is to stay at the same school.

Nursery applications can be made after a child's second birthday, with entry in September after their third birthday. Visits can be booked through the school office, giving families an opportunity to see the setting before deciding. For enquiries, telephone 02476 464088, email SJV-Admin@hccmac.co.uk or use the school's contact form.