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Nursery at Holy Family 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A dedicated outdoor learning area, woodland and a school garden give Holy Family’s nursery room to explore beyond the classroom. This is nursery provision within a Catholic primary school in Darlington, with space for 26 children. Its refurbished nursery classroom and area opened in September 2023, giving the youngest children their own base within the school.
Children can start in the term following their third birthday. A teacher and teaching assistant form the nursery team. Holy Family aims to develop independence, curiosity and communication through play, so the emphasis is on the beginnings of school life rather than formal lessons alone.
Language is a clear thread through the learning. Staff are trained in Tales Toolkit, a programme intended to extend vocabulary through children’s imagination. The nursery aims to build on children’s interests through purposeful play and conversations with adults. That gives talking a role in learning, rather than treating it as a separate activity.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines physical development, communication and social development with early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. In parent terms, children are developing how they talk, move and get along with others alongside the foundations of reading and number work. Holy Family also emphasises self-help skills, giving independence a place alongside those learning goals.
Outdoor provision includes playground equipment and a dedicated EYFS learning area, with the field, garden and woodland extending the possibilities. The grounds are used to develop larger movements, while other activities build smaller hand movements for later learning. Children therefore have opportunities to practise physical skills at different scales.
At the October 2023 inspection, nursery children discussed stories, selected books for story time and treated them carefully; children across early years also followed routines and practised sharing and turn-taking. These are concrete foundations for participating in a group and enjoying books.
Parents can follow learning through Class Dojo messages and photographs. Floor books and displays provide another way to see what children have been doing, with families invited to view them during the year. An email update goes to nursery and school families each week, keeping communication going beyond individual conversations.
Lunch can come from home as a packed lunch, or children can have a charged nursery meal. The morning session includes lunchtime, making food part of the session’s practical rhythm.
For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the nursery works with families and supporting agencies, including the Early Years inclusion team. Early years teaching assistants have undertaken Talk Boost training, and early years staff have received speech and language training. Parents with developmental concerns can contact the SEND coordinator through the office, bringing their knowledge of their child into support planning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the September 2027 admission criteria. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using its Common Application Form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Keep that application separate from nursery booking.
Transition support is a different matter. Children starting school or changing classes visit their new classroom and meet the teacher; Class Dojo also shares classroom information and staff photographs. Personalised transition programmes can support individual children with SEND. These arrangements help children prepare for change, but do not affect admission decisions.
Term-time attendance can combine mornings, afternoons and full days. Morning sessions run from 9.30am to 12.30pm, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and full days from 9.30am to 3.30pm. An optional charged extension begins at 8.45am. Additional paid hours depend on availability and entitlement.
Funding covers 15 hours each week for three-year-olds, with some families eligible for 30 hours. Sunrise Breakfast Club and Sunset After School Club offer additional care, subject to availability; bookings use Arbor. Contact the office on 01325 380821 or admin@holyfamily.bhcet.org.uk for nursery applications and current charges.
Uniform is encouraged. Nursery children may wear navy leggings or jogging bottoms, alongside the blue uniform options. Send a labelled change of clothes in a drawstring bag and leave wellington boots at nursery for outdoor learning.
Children are eligible to start in the term after their third birthday, with funded entry points in September, January or April.
Yes. Families can mix days and sessions. Additional paid hours are subject to availability and depend on entitlement.
The morning session includes lunchtime. Children staying for lunch can bring a packed lunch or have a charged nursery meal.
Class Dojo shares messages, photographs and class information. Families can also see floor books and displays at points during the year and receive a weekly email update.
No. Attendance neither guarantees a place nor confers priority under the September 2027 criteria. Apply separately through your home local authority by 15 January 2027 for that entry year.
