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Nursery at St Felix Roman Catholic Primary School, Haverhill
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, growing plants and a daily prayer give St Felix’s nursery a character of its own. Children join from the term after their third birthday. Nursery belongs to the main school’s Foundation Stage, with an entrance and play areas reserved for its youngest children: a smaller setting within school life.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 19 and 20 June 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The session starts with children taking responsibility for their belongings and adding their names to a registration board. Carpet time follows, bringing together a prayer, children’s news and a discussion of the activities ahead. It gives the session a clear beginning and children a chance to contribute.
Learning combines play chosen by children with activities guided by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas: language and communication, emotional and social development, physical skills, maths, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, that means conversation, movement and relationships matter alongside early number and reading work. The Primary Knowledge Curriculum begins in Nursery, giving these experiences a planned sequence.
Stories, songs and rhymes supply words children can use in their own conversations. In June 2024, nursery staff demonstrated ambitious vocabulary and taught accurate letter sounds, preparing children for later phonics learning. Across early years, children could listen attentively and maintain their focus for extended periods.
Outdoor learning continues whatever the weather. Sand and water areas sit alongside the mud kitchen, giving children materials to investigate through their senses. Planting seeds and tending growing plants turn change over time into something children can observe. Indoors, the learning space changes with children’s interests and development. Adults help children cooperate, express feelings and ask questions during play; planning can change in response to what interests them.
Tapestry connects learning at school with life at home. Parents can follow their child’s experiences and contribute their own, giving staff another way to understand the child beyond the classroom.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), entry into Nursery can follow a gradual programme that starts with a school visit. The school uses Individual Pupil Plans, reviewed with parents at least termly, to organise additional support. Language Link assessment is used in EYFS, and some staff have training in Elklan and Language Link speech programmes. Early years has accessible toilet facilities, while trained, authorised staff provide personal hygiene care when needed.
Children taking both sessions bring a packed lunch and attend the lunchtime club. Three- and four-year-olds receive free milk. These arrangements make food part of the practical planning for a longer nursery day.
A nursery place does not guarantee admission to St Felix’s Reception class. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process, using a CAF1 form and the school’s Supplementary Information Form. The school directs families to Suffolk County Council’s primary application route and sends application details in the autumn term.
Support for the change of class is a separate matter. For children with SEND, transition can include booklets, One-Page Profiles and extra time getting to know a new classroom and its staff. Familiarity supports the move; it does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45, with afternoon sessions from 12:15 to 15:15. Attendance can be for 15 or 30 hours, with the pattern agreed beforehand with the administration team. Families qualifying for funded 30-hour childcare must apply for their code before the preceding term ends and confirm it to the school for checking.
Self-funded hours are charged hourly, with invoices handled through Arbor. Children attending both sessions incur an additional lunchtime club charge and need a packed lunch. Contact the school for current charges.
Enquiries go through the office on 01440 703775 or admin@st-felixrc.suffolk.sch.uk; school tours during teaching hours can be arranged by appointment. Collection must be prompt, and changes to the usual collector require parental permission. Regular collection by a relative or childminder should be confirmed in writing at the start of term.
Parking. The front car park is reserved for staff and disabled drivers. Families may use the Rugby Club car park; allow extra time for drop-off and collection.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday, subject to spaces being available.
The morning session is 8:45 to 11:45 and the afternoon session is 12:15 to 15:15. Attendance patterns for 15 or 30 hours are agreed with the administration team in advance.
Children stay for the lunchtime club, which carries an additional charge, and bring a packed lunch.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate. Families need to apply again using the Reception application route, including CAF1 and the school’s Supplementary Information Form.
Parents use Tapestry to contribute experiences from home and engage with their child’s learning.
