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Nursery at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, Penshaw
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Shared play spaces and a place in the school's house groups give this nursery a connection to the wider school from the start. Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School's nursery sits within its early years provision in Penshaw. The nursery admission number is 26 pupils for the school year beginning in September 2026.
Catholic education shapes the setting's purpose. The school aims for children to develop their individual gifts, taking Jesus Christ as their model. Children from Nursery onwards join houses named after saints, with siblings placed together. That gives the youngest children a group identity beyond their own class.
Stories, singing and rhymes feature in early years learning, alongside opportunities to play together and learn to share. In April 2025, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. Children cooperated in play, took turns and shared resources; teaching built on their existing abilities through sessions with the whole class and smaller groups. For parents, this means early learning includes both guided teaching and the everyday social practice of playing alongside others.
Maths is taught each day in Nursery, combining a taught lesson with practical mathematical activities. The school uses a mastery approach and aims to make the subject enjoyable and relevant. Hands-on experience gives children another way to explore mathematical ideas beyond listening to an adult.
Indoors and outside, Nursery shares learning spaces with Reception. There is an important qualification to that arrangement: in April 2025, some areas offered too few opportunities to consolidate skills through independent play or play supported by adults. This limited some children's achievement, with the concern especially affecting Reception-age children. Work between the school and trust to develop these spaces had begun at that point.
Routines are taught explicitly during the first half of the autumn term in early years. Visual sunshine and cloud reminders accompany expectations about listening, using a quieter voice indoors and caring for equipment. Adults explain the reasons for the rules, giving children concrete prompts as they learn how to manage the shared space.
Morning snacks for EYFS children are fruit or vegetables, and children should bring a water bottle each day. For additional needs, children are assessed on entry to the Foundation Stage, with concerns passed to the SEND coordinator. The school's support arrangements include plans reviewed with parents each term and access to Speech and Language Therapy and the Autism Outreach Team. These give families a route into discussing and reviewing individual support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027-2028 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using its Common Application Form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
Shared early years spaces provide familiarity, but admission remains a separate decision. For children with SEND moving between classes, support information is passed to the next teacher beforehand, and extra visits can be arranged. A transition book can also be provided where it would help the child understand the change.
Morning Nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; the afternoon session runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. These distinct sessions give families clear collection times to plan around. The school's term dates differ from Sunderland City Council's, so families should use the school calendar when planning holidays.
Nursery applications can be made after a child's second birthday, with forms obtained from the school office. Contact the office on 0191 385 4545 or at admin@olqp.bwcet.com to apply.
Morning Nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am, and afternoon Nursery from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority under the 2027-2028 arrangements. A separate application to the home local authority is required; the deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
The school's early years provision was judged Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 April 2025. Some shared learning areas needed development to give children more opportunities to practise new skills.
EYFS children are offered fruit or vegetables in the morning. Children should bring a water bottle each day.
Applications can be made after a child's second birthday. Obtain an application form from the school office, which can be contacted on 0191 385 4545 or admin@olqp.bwcet.com.
