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Nursery at St Joseph's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Butterfly Class, Ladybird Class and two outdoor spaces give St Joseph's nursery its own identity within this Catholic primary school in Guildford. Children use an adventure playground at the front and a sensory garden behind the nursery each day. Outdoor play is part of the daily pattern.
Children here are between 2.5 and 5 years old. Entry normally begins in the term a child turns three, with limited room for rising threes. The nursery occupies two classrooms, giving its provision a distinct base within the school.
Play shapes the curriculum. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings seven learning areas into activities indoors and outside, combining choices made by children with activities guided by adults. Children's interests help determine what happens next. Their key person establishes what they already know before planning ways to extend their learning, so the starting point is the individual child.
The morning has a clear rhythm. At 9:00am children register themselves, followed by circle time at 9:15am. Free play begins at 9:30am, when the outdoor areas open too. A snack at 10:00am separates that first stretch of play from singing or music and movement at 10:15am. At 10:35am, children return to free play and supported activities; story time follows at 11:00am. Lunch runs from 11:25am to noon. The afternoon follows the same pattern, with different activities adjusted to children's needs.
Emotional learning also has concrete tools. Children use books including The Colour Monster to link emotions with colours and rehearse ways to feel calmer. Alongside these activities, the nursery aims to develop turn-taking, consideration for others and concentration. These are everyday skills for sharing space and play with other children.
Each child has an assigned key person who supports learning and development throughout their nursery attendance. That adult also helps with feelings, shared play and disagreements between peers. This gives children a consistent person to turn to as they learn to manage relationships.
A designated Wellbeing Area in the nursery classroom provides a calm space children can use whenever they need it. Zones of Regulation supplies a shared approach to recognising emotions and practising self-regulation. Support has a physical place as well as a place in the activities.
Hot lunches are available, and school dinners are cooked on site daily. Nursery children also explore ingredients and learn about balanced eating. For additional learning needs, the nursery manager is also its SENCo, offering families guidance on development and learning. Room leaders, deputy managers and nursery practitioners make up the wider team.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no advantage in the application. Families must apply separately for school admission. Familiarity with the nursery should therefore be kept separate from expectations about securing a school place.
For September 2027 Reception entry, parents complete Surrey's online admissions application and return the school's 2027-28 Supplementary Information Form directly to the school. That form helps the school rank applications against its Catholic admissions criteria.
Whole-day attendance is offered on three, four or five days each week. The nursery operates Monday to Friday for 38 weeks annually. The usual day begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm; charged early drop-off from 8:30am and late collection until 3:30pm extend those hours. Families needing a longer day should factor those extras into their arrangements. Contact the school for current charges.
Up to 30 hours of free childcare per week are offered, alongside FEET funding for eligible children. St Joseph's Clubhouse serves children from Reception upwards, so its breakfast and after-school provision is outside the nursery age group.
Nursery visits can be arranged through the nursery manager. General enquiries can go to info@stjosephsguildford.com or the school office on 01483 888401. Completed nursery applications go to the office for processing.
Children are between 2.5 and 5 years old. They can normally join in the term they turn three, with limited places for rising threes.
Families can choose three, four or five whole days each week. The usual day is 9:00am to 3:00pm, with charged early drop-off and late collection options.
Yes. Children have daily access to the adventure playground and sensory garden.
No. Attendance gives no advantage in the Reception application and does not guarantee a place. Parents must make a separate school application.
The nursery offers up to 30 hours of free childcare per week and FEET funding for eligible children. Contact the school for current charges.
