Our Lady of Victories Catholic School Nursery Review

Wellies, stories and play shape nursery life at Our Lady of Victories Catholic School in Keighley. Children have outdoor learning each day, while their interests help determine the activities adults prepare. This is provision for three-year-olds within a Catholic primary school, with Nursery and Reception working together as the Foundation Stage.

The early years department has its own self-contained space and step-free access. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 10 and 11 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

A session moves between children's choices and time together. Children register themselves, explore the learning areas and join a greeting circle. Indoor and outdoor play sits alongside teaching as a class, with tidying, songs and stories also part of the routine. Snacks are accessible throughout. There is room to choose, then regroup.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early reading, writing, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Adults guide some activities; children initiate others. Staff build on children's interests and support them as they play, so the activities connect with what catches their attention.

There is plenty of practical work. Paintbrushes, scissors and loose parts develop hand control, while bikes, climbing and jumping exercise larger movements. Mathematics takes shape through construction, baking and sand or water activities. Stories lead into imaginative play and art, giving children different ways to explore the same ideas.

Outside, Nursery shares its learning space with Reception. Forest Schools sessions use the school's nature area, bringing play and learning into contact with nature. Catholic teaching uses The Way, the Truth and the Life, with Bible stories, hymns and simple prayers alongside learning about other faiths.

In May 2023, early years adults placed a strong emphasis on communication and language, with frequent opportunities to practise writing and mathematics. Nursery phonics began with listening to everyday sounds, songs, rhymes and stories: early reading preparation through listening and participation.

Settling starts before the first session. Families are invited to an after-school stay-and-play visit, and a home visit gives staff time to learn about the child. Individual start dates and times allow adults to concentrate on helping children settle. A gradual introduction can be agreed for children who are not ready for their full hours.

The team includes an early years leader and teacher, a lead early years practitioner, a nursery nurse and early years practitioners. MyEd carries messages and letters between home and school. Secure online learning journals let parents see classroom learning and contribute examples from home, keeping that exchange connected to the child's experiences.

School lunch is an option with an additional charge. For children with SEND, the school uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle and works with people who already know a child's needs before entry. Support targets. In May 2023, some school SEND plans had targets that were too general. Families needing additional support should pay attention to how their child's goals identify specific next steps.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority under the 2026–2027 admission arrangements. Families must apply separately through their home local authority. For September 2026 entry, the Common Preference Form deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past.

Shared outdoor learning and close working between the two classes provide familiarity, not an admissions advantage. Children with SEND can have additional classroom visits and picture booklets when needed, with pupil passports carrying information between staff.

Morning and afternoon sessions provide the 15-hour pattern. Eligible children can attend 30-hour provision, but capacity for that pattern is limited because the nursery also accommodates the shorter sessions. Nursery opens for 35 hours each week. Lunch provision and school meals carry separate charges; contact the school for current charges. Payments use Parent Pay and are required half-termly. Nursery children cannot attend breakfast club.

Uniform includes a white polo shirt, black bottoms and a green school sweatshirt bearing the logo. Keep named pumps, wellies and waterproof trousers or a waterproof suit at school for outdoor play. For nursery enquiries, email office@olv.bcwcat.co.uk.