Holy Family Catholic Primary School Nursery

Songs, repeated stories and minibeast discoveries give Holy Family’s early years its character: children build language by using it, whether discussing living creatures or explaining a pattern. The nursery belongs to Holy Family Catholic Primary School on Kirton Lane in Stainforth, Doncaster, placing it within a Catholic primary school rather than a separate childcare setting.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection. The strongest detail is about learning: adults help children develop concentration, curiosity and the vocabulary to explain their ideas.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum connects different areas of learning. Communication and language sit alongside maths, music, art and understanding the natural world. For parents, that means looking beyond isolated tasks: talking about an animal can develop language as well as knowledge about living things.

Stories, songs and rhymes help children expand what they know and the words they can use. In February 2024, staff used carefully planned activities to take learning further. Children discussed creatures during a minibeast hunt and recognised symmetry in patterns. These are concrete examples of early science and mathematics becoming something children can investigate and explain.

An EYFS outdoor area includes a container decorated by a parent. Early years experiences have also included a fire engine visit, with children asking about equipment, and an introduction to minibeasts and their care. Those encounters give children something tangible to question and talk about, linking new words to real objects and animals.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were among those showing sustained attention in early years in February 2024. Children collaborated and used new vocabulary to explain their activities, giving a practical picture of participation alongside their peers.

Across the school, support uses the Graduated Approach for SEND alongside Quality First Provision. Parents can arrange an appointment with the SEND coordinator through the school office. That provides a direct route for discussing difficulties accessing school life.

Doncaster Schools Catering provides the school’s meals. Choices include a jacket potato, a sandwich or a hot meal; arrangements can accommodate a diet recommended by a hospital or doctor. This gives families with medical dietary needs a relevant point of contact within the school’s catering arrangements.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate: families must apply again through the normal Reception application process and meet its deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

The school office handles enquiries on 01302 841283 or at admin@holyfamilyschool.co.uk. Interested parents are invited to look around the school, offering an opportunity to see its setting before making a choice.

For collection, tell the school if somebody different will pick up your child, and keep contact details current. These straightforward arrangements help staff communicate with the right adult and manage changes to collection.