St Charles Voluntary Catholic Academy Nursery Review

A temporary closure is the decisive fact for families considering this nursery. At the inspection on 19 and 20 November 2024, St Charles Voluntary Catholic Academy’s nursery was temporarily closed. The early years Good judgement covered Reception alone, so it cannot be treated as an assessment of the nursery.

The school is on Norfolk Street in Hull. Its early years approach puts language, relationships and learning through play together, with activities indoors and outside. Those principles give families a useful picture of its educational approach, while the dated closure remains essential context for any nursery decision.

Adult teaching and independently chosen play are combined in the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach. Staff plan around children’s individual learning needs and discuss their development together. In parent terms, this means learning involves both time with an adult and opportunities to practise through play, rather than relying solely on whole-group lessons.

Indoors, the layout separates activity spaces into clearly bounded areas. Children can reach resources themselves, and labels help them put things back. Books sit across the learning areas, alongside opportunities to draw, make early attempts at writing and explore maths. Keeping areas accessible each day allows children to return to an idea and develop yesterday’s play.

Outside, larger-scale play complements the indoor activities. Waterproof trousers, jackets and wellies support outdoor access throughout the year, including wet weather. Writing, mark-making and maths extend outdoors too: outdoor time is part of learning rather than simply a break from it. The school’s nursery phonics approach uses Read Write Inc, linking early reading work to a named programme.

Individual needs shape the school’s EYFS planning. Staff discussions cover children’s achievements and next steps, giving the adults working with them a shared basis for support.

For concerns about learning, the school’s process starts with the class teacher, who can involve the special educational needs coordinator. Additional assessment can involve the Speech and Language Therapy Service, IPASS or an Educational Psychologist. This gives families a defined route for discussing concerns and accessing specialist input when needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the normal admissions process and deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions; a familiar school setting is not an offer of a school place.

The school office can be contacted on 01482 326610 or at admin@stchull.org. There is also an enquiry form. The school aims to answer enquiries within one business day, giving families a direct contact route.

Office opening hours are 8.00am to 4.00pm from Monday to Thursday and 8.00am to 3.30pm on Friday. These are reception-office hours, not nursery sessions. Keep that distinction clear when planning childcare around work.