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Nursery at St Philip's Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sensory mud trays, a Bear Hunt retelling and exploration in the Woodland Area give this nursery its character: learning starts with play, movement and conversation. St Philip's nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school in Middleton, Leeds, welcoming children from age three. It occupies a separate nursery building, built in 1993, on the school site.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 15 and 16 November 2023. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Play shapes the learning. Children combine activities led by adults with time to make their own discoveries, concentrating on the foundations of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): developing relationships and managing feelings, learning to communicate, and building physical skills. These are practical priorities for a young child learning to join in, express a need or attempt something independently.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt provides a concrete example. Children retold the story through actions and noises, investigated story-related objects and textures in sensory trays, and rounded off the week with yoga. Language and movement work together here. Early phonics also starts with experimenting with sound; Essential Letters and Sounds is the school's named phonics programme.
Outdoor exploration has a place in the nursery's learning approach. Following the Bible's Creation Story, children investigated the Woodland Area, connecting their observations of nature with the school's Catholic teaching. At Aspirations Day in May 2025, nursery children explored a police van and tried dressing up, while police discussed adults they could approach for help.
In November 2023, children in early years followed established routines, concentrated on planned activities and developed the confidence to persevere and do more for themselves. Adults emphasised language development, giving communication a clear place alongside play.
A nursery teacher, nursery officer and teaching assistant make up the nursery team. For children with additional needs, the school's support arrangements include individual provision and care plans that are reviewed, with oversight from the SENCo and senior leadership team. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher and take part in termly discussions about personalised support and progress.
Accessibility includes ramps and an accessible toilet, with the school arranged on one level. The Hearing Impairment Team and Educational Psychologists are among the services the school works with, allowing support to draw on specialist advice where needed.
Lunch is optional and charged for nursery children; packed lunches are another choice. A rotating menu runs over three weeks, and meals arrive from the Catering Agency to be served at school. Dietary requirements can be accommodated. Families should report allergies and allow two weeks when changing meal arrangements.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application. For entry in September 2027, apply through Leeds City Council's online system by 15 January 2027 and supply the Catholic school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF). Treat that deadline as a separate task from joining nursery.
For children receiving SEND support, transition planning involves their family and the teacher of the new class. This helps carry information about a child's needs into their next stage; it does not determine the admissions decision.
Morning drop-off runs from 8:45 to 9:00am, with collection at 11:45am. Afternoon drop-off is between 12:30 and 12:45pm, followed by collection at 3:30pm. Nursery doors open shortly before afternoon collection to reduce crowding outside the building.
Funded early education starts in the term after a child's third birthday: 15 hours a week across 38 term-time weeks, extending to 30 hours for eligible families. Families applying for the extended entitlement need to pass their eligibility code to the school. Contact the office on 0113 2716763 or office@st-philips.org for nursery enquiries, and refer to the school for current lunch charges.
Children learn through adult-guided activities and free play. Examples include sensory trays, storytelling with movement, yoga and exploration in the Woodland Area.
Morning drop-off is 8:45 to 9:00am, with collection at 11:45am. Afternoon drop-off is 12:30 to 12:45pm, with collection at 3:30pm.
Yes. Nursery lunches are charged, and packed lunches are an alternative. Tell the school about allergies or dietary requirements and give two weeks' notice to change arrangements.
No. A separate application is required. For September 2027 entry, apply through Leeds City Council's online system by 15 January 2027 and provide a Supplementary Information Form.
Speak to the class teacher or arrange a SENCo appointment through the school office. The school's SEND arrangements include reviewed personal plans and termly meetings with parents.
