St Francis Catholic Primary School, Morley: Nursery Review

Scooters outside, a role-play corner inside and prayer woven into the day: the nursery at St Francis Catholic Primary School, Morley combines hands-on play with a distinctly Catholic routine. It caters for children over three, with morning, afternoon and full-day options. The nursery class belongs to the school's Early Years provision and has a class teacher supported by three teaching assistants.

In February 2024, Ofsted found that nursery children paid close attention, shared turns and played cooperatively. Those are useful foundations for a first classroom experience: learning alongside other children matters here as well as developing individual skills.

Children can choose activities around the classroom whichever session they attend. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form through play, conversation and exploration: children try things, make choices and practise doing more for themselves. A reading corner and phonics table sit alongside spaces for construction, small-world play and creative work. The role-play area gives children another way to explore ideas together.

There is plenty to handle and investigate. Paint, foam and play dough offer different textures, while sand and water add opportunities for experimentation. Pencil-control and fine-motor activities bring more focused practice into that mix. This is a day with several ways into learning, rather than a session centred on one activity.

Outdoor learning continues in changing weather. Children use bikes, scooters and ride-on cars in a large outdoor area, alongside equipment for balancing. Suitable clothing therefore matters: physical play is part of the routine. Monday brings PE, while library books are exchanged on Tuesdays or Thursdays according to attendance.

Faith has its own daily rhythm. Short collective worship sessions accompany RE activities, and prayers mark the morning, meals and the end of the day. Friendship is the nursery's named class virtue, giving its Catholic character a clear connection to learning how to treat other people.

Each session includes fruit or vegetables, with examples including bananas, carrots and pears. Children can help themselves to free milk. For a full day, families choose between sending a packed lunch and buying a hot meal. School meals are prepared on site; a medical-diet request process gives families a route for addressing dietary needs.

Tapestry connects home and nursery through an online record of learning. Parents can see photographs, videos and comments, then contribute their own observations from home. A Friday activity challenge provides another shared point of contact, making it easier to connect classroom experiences with family life.

For additional needs, the school's SEND provision involves parents and outside agencies. Support through the Morley Primary Partnership includes access to speech and language therapy. Families can contact the SEND coordinator directly by email, giving them a specific route to discuss their child's needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The school's admissions page directs primary applications to Leeds City Council's online application route and asks families to complete its supplementary form for the school office.

Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions. Familiarity with the school does not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. The full-day option spans 8:45am to 3:15pm. These give families a choice between a shorter session and a day that includes lunch.

The nursery describes funded provision of 15 hours, with 30 hours dependent on eligibility. Hot lunches carry a charge; contact the school for current charges. Classroom visits, including meeting the nursery teacher, can be arranged through the office by telephone or email. Use 0113 3230554 or office@stfrancismorley.org.uk. Children should bring their book bag daily and clothing suited to outdoor play.