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Nursery at St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Hartlepool
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three-hour sessions give this nursery a clear shape: a morning or an afternoon within St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School on Stratford Road, Hartlepool. The nursery welcomes children aged three and four. Its character is Catholic, with the school emphasising kindness, respect and belonging. For families choosing an early start within a faith community, that ethos is part of the choice.
Play and exploration sit alongside activities intended to develop language, creativity, independence and the beginnings of reading. The nursery aims to help children gain confidence through adult support and purposeful activity. These are practical foundations for joining in and becoming more independent.
Early Years Foundation Stage motor skills programmes include Dough disco and Squiggle while you wiggle. They give physical development a named place in the early years offer, alongside the nursery's emphasis on communication and early literacy.
In February 2024, Ofsted identified a carefully sequenced approach to phonics beginning in the early years, with regular progress checks and effective help for children who fell behind. However, teaching children to write the sounds they learned was less consistent: letter formation and handwriting habits needed more attention. Reading and early writing therefore deserve separate consideration when assessing the learning here.
Settling is approached through partnership with families. The nursery says it works with parents to help children become confident, while entry into the Early Years Foundation Stage can be adjusted to individual needs. That flexibility matters for a child who needs a different pace when starting.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities involves the class teacher and the SENCO team. Staff discuss emerging concerns with parents and involve the coordinator, giving families a direct route into the support process. In February 2024, nursery staff were skilled at recognising additional needs early, enabling other agencies to become involved promptly.
The school's staff expertise includes Early Talk Boost and Wellcom intervention. Teachers hold Qualified Teacher Status, and teaching assistants have at least a level 3 qualification. These are school-wide staffing facts, rather than a separate nursery staffing ratio.
For children receiving SEND support, teachers and the SENCO plan provision with parents and review its effect. Medical needs are addressed with families and healthcare professionals through an individual healthcare plan, so care arrangements can reflect the child's needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no additional priority under the 2026–27 arrangements. Families must make a separate application using the Common Application Form through their home local authority. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that admissions cycle is past.
Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. Staff share information with the next teacher, discuss individual SEND targets and provide transition booklets where needed. These arrangements help carry a child's support forward; they do not change admissions priority.
Morning nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoon nursery runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Those are the nursery drop-off and collection times, so families should plan around the nursery timetable. Enquiries go to the school office on 01429 275040 or admin@stcuthbertshartlepool.bhcet.org.uk.
The nursery welcomes three- and four-year-olds.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
No. Nursery attendance gives no additional priority under the 2026–27 arrangements. Families must apply separately through their home local authority.
Staff discuss concerns with parents and involve the SENCO team. Support is planned and reviewed with families, with specialist involvement where needed.
Contact the school office on 01429 275040 or email admin@stcuthbertshartlepool.bhcet.org.uk.
