Early Explorers Nursery at St Bede's, Jarrow

Indoor and outdoor play, small-group learning and the beginnings of phonics give Early Explorers its shape. This is the nursery at St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Jarrow, on Harold Street, welcoming children from 3 years old. It forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

The morning provision accommodates up to 26 children. Children of every faith and belief are welcome, and the nursery is non-denominational, within a school that describes its ethos as strongly Catholic. Families can therefore consider both the nursery's inclusive entry position and the religious character of the wider setting.

Play is the main route into learning here. Children have opportunities to choose their own activities alongside work directed by adults, with small groups adding a different rhythm to continuous play. That means the day includes both independent exploration and time spent learning with an adult.

The EYFS brings together early reading and number work with language, movement, relationships, creativity and understanding the world. These are connected areas of development rather than a timetable of separate school subjects. Learning takes place outdoors as well as inside, making outdoor play part of the educational approach.

Phonics starts in nursery; Soundswrite is the school's named approach to teaching sounds and reading. Digital resources also feature in creative play across the early years, giving children opportunities to explore technology within their activities.

In November 2024, Ofsted found that early-years children responded positively to established routines, listened to their teacher and played together happily. Sitting together on the floor and lining up were concrete examples. For parents, this shows how learning to participate in a group sits alongside the play-based curriculum.

Support for additional needs involves families in planning. Children with special educational needs have an individual education plan and a provision map, agreed with parents and reviewed together. This gives families a defined part in decisions about their child's support.

The school works with speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and health visitors to understand children's needs. An appointment with the SEND team can be arranged through the office, providing a direct route for discussing support.

Before admission, families supply emergency contacts, medical and dietary information, allergies and details of parental responsibility. Keeping these details current matters for everyday care and emergency decisions.

Chadwick's Kitchen is the school's catering service, preparing meals daily with fresh ingredients. Medical diets are planned with parents. Packed lunches are permitted under the school's arrangements, with nuts and products containing nuts excluded. These are useful considerations for families managing dietary needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through South Tyneside Council's primary admissions portal, registering or logging in to complete the form.

For entry in September 2027, the deadline is 4:30pm on Friday 15 January. Treat that application as a separate task from choosing nursery: being familiar with St Bede's does not replace applying for a school place.

The morning session runs from 9.00am to 12.00pm, with each child attending five sessions per week. The nursery offers 15-hour places and has offered a limited number of 30-hour places since September 2024. The distinction matters for families planning their working week: the longer allocation is subject to limited availability.

Wraparound care may also be available. Visits can be booked by contacting the school. For nursery enquiries, telephone 0191 489 8218 or email office@stbedesjarrow.co.uk. Contact the school for current charges.