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Nursery at Holy Cross Church of England Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, first-hand experiences and a deliberate emphasis on language shape the early years at Holy Cross Church of England Primary School. The nursery belongs to the school in Runcton Holme, on School Road. Its wider setting has a Christian ethos, while welcoming families with any faith or none.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 18 and 19 July 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Development Matters guide the learning. In everyday terms, children combine exploration through play with direct experiences, building knowledge through things they do themselves. Activities draw on earlier learning and give children opportunities to become more independent. The balance matters: play and planned learning both have a place.
Primary Knowledge Curriculum supplies the schemes used for the EYFS curriculum. Holy Cross aims to build knowledge progressively, returning to earlier learning rather than treating each activity as an isolated experience. For parents, that means a learning approach with a planned sequence alongside opportunities to explore.
In July 2023, early years children followed an ambitious curriculum that developed social skills and independence. Stories, rhymes and poems helped younger children expand their vocabulary. Language had a clear purpose: children were learning new words and putting them to use.
Every teacher has experience of working in an early years class. Holy Cross aims to make the beginning of school a happy experience for children and their parents. Families are invited to take part in themed activities and see children demonstrate their learning, giving parents a connection with what happens during the day.
Learning journeys are shared with families at points across the year. These offer a way to discuss a child's development through their learning, alongside the school's emphasis on relationships with parents.
For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the first contact is the class teacher. Teachers discuss concerns with the SEND coordinator and headteacher. The school uses the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle each half term, with staff discussing provision with parents. This gives families a recurring opportunity to contribute to decisions about support. Outside agencies also work with the school to support children.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions, even when the preferred school is the same.
The school office handles enquiries by email at office@holycross.norfolk.sch.uk or telephone on 01553 810394. Holy Cross also welcomes prospective families to meet the team and see the school. A visit provides an opportunity to consider the setting before making a nursery choice.
No. Reception admission requires a separate application through the normal admissions process.
The EYFS and Development Matters guide the experiences and learning, with EYFS schemes from Primary Knowledge Curriculum.
Families can join themed activities and see children demonstrate their learning. Learning journeys are also shared during the year.
Start with the class teacher, who discusses concerns with the SEND coordinator and headteacher. Provision is discussed with parents as part of the school's support cycle.
Contact the school office on 01553 810394 or email office@holycross.norfolk.sch.uk. Prospective families are welcome to meet the team and see the school.
