Little J’s Nursery at St Joseph’s, Blackhall

Exploration and conversation shape Little J’s: children’s interests help determine their learning, while adult teaching sits alongside opportunities to investigate independently. The nursery belongs to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackhall, on Coast Road, and forms part of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit alongside Reception.

The Catholic setting gives this provision a clear identity. Respect and care, together with friendship and excellence, are the school’s core values. The school aims to get to know families closely and help children become independent learners.

The EYFS brings learning and development together across seven areas. In parent language, the approach here combines time with a teacher and opportunities for children to explore, practise and follow an interest themselves. Planning responds to what interests the children. That gives their own ideas a place in the day.

Indoor and outdoor learning environments support this approach. Children investigate, try things out and persevere when an activity becomes difficult; they also develop ideas and work out ways to put them into practice. Adults observe their learning continually and use those observations to decide what should come next. Discussion with teachers helps children understand and use new vocabulary, making conversation part of learning rather than simply an accompaniment to it.

Early reading begins with noticing and identifying sounds. Children move into the initial stage of Sounds-Write phonics when they show readiness, so the starting point depends on the child. Religious education uses Come and See within Understanding the World, connecting the nursery’s learning with the school’s Catholic character.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), support begins with understanding the child. Foundation Stage observations and Speech and Language Link contribute to identifying difficulties. The school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review: needs are assessed, support is planned and put into practice, then its effect is reviewed. Parents help shape the SEN Support Plan, giving families a role in agreeing the support their child receives.

Communication includes termly parent meetings, conversations with the class teacher or SENCO, and reviews of support plans. Speech and Language Therapy and the Educational Psychology Service are among the school’s external partners. These links allow specialist assessment or advice to contribute where needed.

Physical access deserves attention too. The main building has ramp access, and there is an accessible toilet area. Staff also receive training in administering medicines, supporting children whose care needs extend beyond classroom learning.

Attending Little J’s does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process and meet its deadline; Durham County Council is the route for primary school admissions.

Transition support is a separate matter. Across the school, children have transition sessions near the end of the summer term. These provide preparation for a change of class, rather than an admissions advantage.

Nursery enquiries go through the school administrator: call 0191 586 4308 or email office@stjosephsblackhall.net. Families can also arrange to visit the school.

Elizabeth’s Embroidery supplies the uniform, with the password jay for Little J’s nursery clothing. This gives families a nursery-specific ordering route.