St Mary and St Benedict Catholic Primary School Nursery

Counting at snack time gives this nursery a practical starting point: learning belongs in ordinary routines as well as planned activities. Nursery rhymes introduce mathematical ideas, and a daily counting session gives children another opportunity to practise. Small moments have a clear purpose.

The nursery belongs to St Mary and St Benedict Catholic Primary School in Hillfields, Coventry, within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Catholic teaching shapes the school’s approach, alongside an emphasis on recognising children’s individual development. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 10 and 11 January 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play, exploration and active participation organise the EYFS approach. In parent language, children develop their speech, movement and relationships alongside early reading, number work, creativity and learning about the world. The nursery aims to help children make decisions and become more independent, with teaching adjusted to their different rates of development.

Conversation has a deliberate place in the day. Children are encouraged to explain ideas to adults and other children; in January 2023, younger children practised unfamiliar vocabulary by saying it aloud. That gives language learning a practical use: expressing a thought and sharing it with someone else.

Creative exploration includes materials and media that children can investigate for themselves. Mathematical learning is equally concrete, using rhymes, counting and the daily snack. The school uses Read Write Inc. for phonics, providing a named approach to learning sounds. Religious education follows Learning & Growing as the People of God, connecting early years learning with the school’s Catholic character.

Outdoor experience also featured in January 2023: the youngest children took turns investigating the smell of vinegar despite wet weather. Staff helped them practise sharing and perseverance. It is a useful example of social learning happening through an activity rather than a separate explanation.

My Happy Mind gives nursery children opportunities to explore emotions, recognise kindness and practise friendship. Its nursery activities also encourage sharing and trying unfamiliar experiences. These are everyday skills for joining in with other children.

Support for additional needs sits within the school’s wider arrangements. Onsite speech and language assessment and therapy are provided for children who need them, alongside language support assistants for children learning English as an additional language. Individual targets guide SEND support, with the class teacher and SENCO reviewing and adjusting provision. Parents take part in discussions about needs and support, giving families a role in those decisions.

Both school sites are on one level and accessible to wheelchair users. The school’s caterer is AiP; families whose child has been advised to follow a special diet by a GP or health professional can contact the catering service. Within the nursery routine, snack time also includes number learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal route and meet the applicable deadline. Catholic children receive admission priority, and the evidence required for consideration as Catholic must be submitted by the application closing date. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Tick Tock provides care before and after school, plus holiday care, for children aged 3–11, with qualified staff. Breakfast Club runs from 7.45am to 8.45am; Staylate runs from 3pm to 5.30pm. These arrangements may help families planning care around a nursery day. Contact the School Office to arrange a visit, or enquire on 02476 229486 or at admin@stmary-stben.coventry.sch.uk.