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Nursery at St Thomas Cantilupe CofE Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, an outdoor classroom and time to follow children's interests give this nursery its character. St Thomas Cantilupe CofE Academy provides nursery care for children aged two to five at its school on Coningsby Street in Hereford. Sessions follow the school's terms, with morning, afternoon and whole-day options plus care before and after the nursery day.
The January 2026 Ofsted inspection judged the school's early years provision Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and adult guidance work together here. Staff plan activities around children's interests while also developing language, early phonics and number skills. Children have opportunities to choose their own activities, alongside learning directed by adults. This gives their curiosity a place in the day while keeping attention on the skills needed for later learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for this work. For parents, that means learning through exploration, movement and play, with attention first to talking, physical skills and emotional and social development. Literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world extend that foundation. Activities are adapted to children's interests and individual needs rather than following an identical path for everyone.
Outdoor learning has a substantial physical space: a spacious outdoor area, a dedicated classroom outside, creative play areas and the mud kitchen. These provide places for active exploration as well as imaginative play. In January 2026, early years outdoor provision supported children's curiosity and physical activity.
Language receives deliberate attention. Daily singing, rhymes and stories help children practise listening and speaking; adults encourage them to explain ideas in complete sentences. Practical maths materials introduce patterns, shapes and numbers. Early phonics also follows a structured sequence across early years. These are concrete ways to build understanding through talk and hands-on activity.
The key person provides the main link between home and nursery, supporting settling, care and learning while keeping track of development. Sharing observations with parents also gives families ideas for continuing learning at home. The age-two progress check brings together a written account of communication, physical development and social and emotional development, including areas where extra help may be useful.
Parents are invited to workshops covering reading, writing and phonics. That makes the connection with home practical: families can understand the teaching approach and support their child's learning beyond the session.
For developmental concerns, parents can speak with the nursery supervisor or the school SENDCo, with information treated confidentially. The nursery takes individual additional needs into account. In January 2026, early years staff assessed children's learning and supplied extra help so children needing support could participate and progress.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The Reception application route is through Herefordshire Council; nursery applications go directly to the school.
Nursery and Reception staff work closely together on the early years learning environment. That educational connection is separate from the decision about a Reception place.
Monday to Friday provision runs during school terms. Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The whole day runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm and includes Lunch Club between 11.45am and 12.15pm, joining the two learning sessions across lunchtime.
Breakfast care starts at 7.50am. Two after-school sessions run from 3.15pm to 4.15pm and from 4.15pm to 5.15pm, giving families options beyond the core nursery day.
To enquire about a nursery place, complete the new pupil enquiry form; the nursery supervisor then contacts the family to discuss it. A visit can also be requested through the school booking form. General enquiries can go to 01432 268400 or admin@st-thomascantilupe.hereford.sch.uk.
Children aged two to five can attend.
Mornings are 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons are 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and the whole day is 8.45am to 3.15pm, including Lunch Club. Provision follows school terms, Monday to Friday.
Breakfast care starts at 7.50am. After-school care has two sessions: 3.15pm to 4.15pm and 4.15pm to 5.15pm.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Herefordshire Council's normal admissions process.
Speak to the nursery supervisor or the school SENDCo about concerns relating to your child's development. Information shared with them is treated confidentially.
