St Thomas More Voluntary Catholic Academy Nursery Review

Language, early reading and learning alongside other ages shape nursery life at St Thomas More. Provision begins at age 3 within this Catholic primary academy in west Hull, with Nursery known as Foundation Stage 1. It belongs to the school's Foundation Stage Unit, giving the nursery a place within the wider early years provision.

In February 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Most children progressed securely, and children who joined during the Nursery Year achieved well. That makes the nursery starting point a meaningful part of the early years picture.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, provides the curriculum framework. Learning takes account of children's different starting points across its areas, rather than expecting everyone to begin with the same knowledge. Adult-led activities sit alongside opportunities for children to select activities themselves within mixed-age provision.

Early reading has a named approach: Bug Club phonics, taught daily across Foundation Stage. Language also receives direct attention. In February 2026, staff demonstrated new vocabulary successfully and helped children bring those words into their own speech. This gives talking and early reading a practical connection, with adults showing children how to use unfamiliar language.

Support during chosen activities. Adult-led work targeted children needing extra help effectively, but interactions during children's own activity choices were sometimes less effective at accelerating their progress. The early years improvement action was to make better decisions about ongoing activity provision and use adult interaction to address gaps in learning. For parents whose child needs additional support, this is a useful distinction between planned teaching and the less structured parts of the day.

Support begins with understanding the child. In February 2026, staff assessed starting points with input from families and other professionals, so help could begin early. Children facing additional barriers or beginning with less knowledge received effective catch-up support, including help from wider services. Some learning and developmental gaps still needed support beyond early years.

The school's SEND process gives parents a clear first contact: the class teacher. Teachers and senior leaders review progress regularly; when progress falls short of expectations, support develops in stages with parental agreement. Speech and Language Therapy is one possible external service. This creates a route from an initial concern to more specialist help where needed.

Lunch is staggered, with Foundation Stage children starting at 11:40am. That places the youngest children's meal earlier in the lunchtime sequence.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, following the normal Reception process and deadline. Choosing this nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

Keep that application on your family calendar even while your child is already attending Nursery: familiarity with the school does not replace the application.

The school timetable starts at 8:40am, with the EYFS day ending at 3:00pm. These are school-day timings. Parents are responsible for supervising children on the playground before school, and late arrivals must be signed in at the office. At collection, teachers supervise children and accompany them to the playground; contact the office if delayed.

Nursery children can use the 938 school bus, operated by Ellie Rose Travel, Hull, with a school staff member accompanying them. Booking is essential because spaces are limited. Families must wait with children before boarding and be there to meet them on the return journey.

Prospective families are welcome to visit. Contact the office on 01482 354093, email admin@stmhull.org or use the contact form to make an enquiry.