St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Nursery, Keighley

Cherry Nursery gives three-year-olds a start within St Joseph's Catholic Primary School on Queen's Road in Ingrow, Keighley. This is the nursery of a Catholic primary school, with its own class identity within the wider school.

Teaching and play both feature in the early years. In February 2025, children were making a positive start through this combination: adult teaching sits alongside learning through play, rather than either being the sole approach. For parents choosing a first school setting, that balance is the clearest feature of the provision.

Early learning here combines adult teaching with learning through play. Children therefore experience both adult teaching and play-based activity during their early education here. The February 2025 early-years findings support that combination, rather than a nursery day built entirely around formal lessons.

Books connect with what children are learning. In February 2025, the books used from the early years onwards matched curriculum content, giving reading a connection to the topics children were exploring. That makes books part of the learning itself, with subject content and reading brought together.

Brambles and Bluebells add two distinct sensory spaces within the school. Brambles is the larger, active room; Bluebells is smaller and intended for calming. The rooms contain textures, sounds, colours, lights and aromas, giving children different ways to explore sensory experiences. They are open to anyone who needs them.

For most children using these rooms, a sensory plan draws on a profile completed by parents and school staff. This gives families a role in identifying the strategies used to support their child. The rooms also allow teachers to observe children's responses, including what calms or stimulates them.

SEND support includes regular reviews of additional provision, with parents' insights informing decisions. Families can discuss concerns with the school's SENCo through the school telephone number. Where an Education, Health and Care assessment is being considered, the SENCo can explain the process and support parents with decision-making. This provides a practical point of contact for discussing a child's needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process; official requests for this school go through Bradford Council. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as separate decisions.

Putting a child's name down for nursery through the school office is therefore a different step from requesting a Reception place. Keep the later application on your family's calendar, even if your child already attends Cherry Nursery.

For nursery enquiries and visit arrangements, contact the school office on 01535 605880. Families with a three-year-old can arrange a visit and register their interest in a nursery place through the office.

The school is on Queen's Road, Keighley, BD21 1AR. General enquiries can also be sent to office@sjk.bcwcat.co.uk, giving families a telephone and email route for starting contact.