St Paulinus Catholic Primary Academy Nursery Review

Rhymes, movement and hands-on discovery give the nursery at St Paulinus Catholic Primary Academy its character. Nursery children practise listening to sounds, learn rhymes through Magic of Story and begin PE through activities involving space, equipment and cooperation. This is school-attached provision within a Catholic academy on Temple Road in Dewsbury, with an Early Years Unit and a team that includes a nursery nurse.

The educational judgement needs attention. Ofsted rated early years Requires improvement following its inspection on 24 and 25 October 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning includes exploring materials, talking about discoveries and making sense of the world. Nursery science begins with sensory investigation, questions about how things work and introductions to plant and animal life cycles. These are concrete starting points for children to describe what they notice and ask why.

Magic of Story gives nursery children rhymes to learn. Early reading preparation also involves listening carefully to surrounding sounds and beginning to combine spoken sounds into words or separate words into sounds. The emphasis is on listening and speech, giving families a clear picture of what nursery reading preparation involves.

Movement has its own structure. Get Set 4 PE begins in Nursery, where children learn to find room to move, stop when instructed and share equipment. Running, skipping and jumping sit alongside practice working alone, with another child and in groups. Learning to take part is part of the activity itself.

Across the Early Years Unit, topics include Under the Sea and All About Me. In March 2025, children explored older household equipment, including a washboard and carpet beaters, and made and tasted pancakes. These examples connect learning with objects children can examine and food they can help prepare. Ground-level access serves the Early Years Unit and playground; Friends of St Paulinus has funded early years equipment including a climbing frame and kitchen.

There is a material curriculum concern. In October 2023, children cooperated well and adults developed their vocabulary through conversation, but learning was insufficiently sequenced across the year. Too many activities failed to establish the knowledge children needed for their next stage. Ask how activities build on earlier learning when assessing the nursery.

Emotional learning includes myHappymind each Monday, starting in Nursery. The programme aims to help children understand feelings and practise habits that support mental wellbeing. Its Parent App provides activities for home, with an access code obtained through the class teacher, creating a practical connection between classroom learning and family conversations.

For additional needs, the school's process starts with a discussion with the class teacher, followed by the SEND coordinator where necessary. Teachers work with parents to identify children needing extra support. This gives families a clear first contact for concerns. The wider school nurture team includes a learning mentor, a nurture worker and a Catholic Care family wellbeing officer.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Kirklees Council; the normal deadline is 15 January. Treat that application as a separate step when planning your child's move into school.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office: email office@stpaulinus.org or telephone 01924 488282. The academy's address is Temple Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3QE. This is the direct contact route for families seeking a nursery place.