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Nursery at St Aloysius Catholic Infant School, Hebburn
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellington boots stay at nursery, picture books go home, and children choose learning that follows their interests. St Aloysius combines indoor and outdoor play with practical routines for three-year-olds, within its Catholic infant school in Hebburn.
Early years occupies a single-storey building, with ramps and wide doorways supporting access. This is school-based provision, but its character comes from the nursery day: exploring, talking, sharing stories and gradually managing more tasks independently.
Play gives the day its shape. A free-flow arrangement lets children pursue their interests indoors and outside, alongside activities directed by teachers. Keeping wellington boots at nursery means outdoor play can continue in different weather conditions. Choice is part of learning, rather than simply a break between lessons.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development. Communication, physical skills and managing feelings form the initial foundations; learning also covers mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Drawing, catching, painting and exploring living things turn those broad areas into activities children can understand.
Early reading starts with recognising and distinguishing sounds. Children begin the initial stage of Sounds-Write when they show readiness. Once settled, they take home picture books, giving families a way to invent stories together before independent reading begins.
In May 2025, Ofsted found that early-years activities developed concentration and independence, with nursery children extending their minibeast learning through bug searches alongside friends. Adults adapted their questions to children's communication needs, helping them remain interested and attentive. The connection between adult guidance and children's own exploration is clear.
Starting nursery involves reassurance as well as routines. For the September 2025 intake, staggered start times were used during the opening days. Staff contact parents once an upset child has settled. Spare clothes stay in a small bag on the child's peg, ready for accidents.
Stay and Play events introduce families to learning strategies, while a home-school diary gives children something personal to share. Photographs, drawings and tickets from home are discussed weekly with staff and other children. An Early Years Lead supports the team and works with families, providing a link between curriculum planning and parent partnership.
Lunch is cooked on site and served by nursery staff in a designated dining area. Children receive fruit each day and bring water bottles; juice and fizzy drinks are excluded from the classroom. Dietary requirements should be passed to school so the kitchen can prepare. Lunch is charged separately, with payment through ParentPay; contact the school for current charges.
Additional needs are identified through observation, with nursery, home and relevant services planning support together. Where additional needs have been identified, home visits can be arranged when required. Children on the SEND register have Individual Action Plans reviewed at least each term, giving families regular points to discuss support and targets.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives no priority under the admission criteria.
Apply through the normal primary admissions route. South Tyneside families use the council's admissions portal, with a deadline of 4:30pm on Friday 15 January 2027. After a place is offered, the school arranges induction days and shares information about routines and uniform. That preparation follows the offer; it does not determine admission.
Three attendance patterns are available. The 30-hour pattern runs every day from 8:30am to 3:30pm. One 15-hour pattern combines Monday and Tuesday, 8:30am to 3:30pm, with Wednesday, 8:30am to 11:30am. The other combines Wednesday, 12:30pm to 3:30pm, with Thursday and Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm. These fixed patterns matter when arranging work and collection.
Uniform includes a school-logo jumper, cardigan or tank top, a light blue polo shirt, grey bottoms and black shoes. A blue summer dress is another option. Label clothing and leave wellington boots at nursery.
For enquiries, call 0191 483 2274, email info@st-aloysius.co.uk or use the online enquiry form. School visits can be arranged through the office.
The nursery provides for three-year-olds at St Aloysius Catholic Infant School, Hebburn.
There is a 30-hour pattern every day, plus two 15-hour patterns: Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday.
Children follow the EYFS through teacher-directed activities and play they help choose, indoors and outdoors. Sound awareness begins in nursery, with Sounds-Write introduced as children show readiness.
Nursery lunches are cooked on site and served in a designated dining area. Fruit is provided daily, and children bring water bottles. Lunch is charged separately through ParentPay.
No. A separate application is required through the home local authority, and nursery attendance gives no priority for September 2027 entry. The deadline is 4:30pm on Friday 15 January 2027.
