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Nursery at St Paul's Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Growing fruit and vegetables gives Northgate's youngest children a practical connection with the world around them. Outdoor growing areas bring food and its origins into their learning, making this a concrete part of the nursery's character.
St Paul's nursery belongs to the school's Northgate foundation stage in Gloucester, on New Street. Its team includes a nursery teacher and two nursery teaching partners. In June 2024, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language and stories are central to the learning. In June 2024, early years teaching placed particular emphasis on communication, while adults regularly read aloud to nursery children. Books introduce children to authors and give them reasons to listen, talk and develop their interest in stories.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach here aims to develop children's thinking, movement, speech, relationships and emotional understanding. St Paul's says exploration and memorable experiences are part of that approach. The outdoor growing areas give this a tangible form: children learn about fruit and vegetables and discuss where food comes from.
Technology also has a practical starting point. The Nursery/Reception computing pathway includes giving simple instructions and experimenting with a Bee-bot. These activities connect early computing with actions children can try and change. Photography involves using an iPad or camera to record their own play and things that interest them, giving children another way to express what they notice.
Communication with families includes Class Dojo messages, subject to parental permission. Parents also give separate permissions for photographs on Class Dojo and group pictures on Tapestry. Those distinctions let families make choices about communication and image sharing.
Before a child starts, parents supply information about languages used at home, cultural celebrations, disabilities, allergies and dietary requirements. They can describe the additional help their child needs and identify professionals already involved. This gives staff information relevant to everyday care rather than just contact details.
For additional needs, St Paul's uses the Gloucestershire Graduated Pathway, with support organised through assessment, planning, action and review. Parents participate throughout. A My Plan records the help a child needs; My Profile captures what matters to the child and what helps them. These provide a basis for discussing support and preparing for changes of class.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the relevant deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for school are separate decisions.
Transition support for children with SEND includes advance information sharing between teachers. Where helpful, a transition book or passport can be created, and children may have additional classroom visits or join a transition group. These arrangements help prepare a child for change; they do not secure admission.
For general enquiries, contact the school office on 01452 521872 or email admin@st-pauls.gloucs.sch.uk.
Northgate clothing includes a navy sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan, a polo shirt in the house colour, and grey, black or navy trousers or joggers. Footwear should be black school shoes or plain black trainers. Label clothing clearly.
Collection arrangements require parents to keep staff informed about changes, including a different adult collecting. Emergency contacts must be over 16, and parents provide an identification password for someone staff have not previously met. This makes collection planning an important part of the joining process.
No. Nursery and Reception admission are separate processes, and families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions route.
The school's early years provision was judged Good at the inspection on 25 and 26 June 2024. This was a school early years judgement, not a separate nursery inspection.
Northgate has outdoor growing areas where children grow fruit and vegetables and learn about where food comes from.
Parents can give permission to receive information and messages through Class Dojo. Photograph permissions are handled separately.
Keep staff informed if collection arrangements change. Emergency contacts must be over 16, and an identification password is requested for an unfamiliar collector.
