St Mary's Catholic Academy Nursery Review

Morning or afternoon sessions give this school nursery a practical starting point for families choosing their child's first school routine. St Mary's Catholic Academy in Leek takes nursery children aged 3 to 4, with provision running five days a week during term time. This is the school's own nursery class, within a Catholic primary academy.

Entry can begin in the school term following a child's third birthday. Applications go directly to the school, and families of any faith, or none, are welcome to apply. That makes the Catholic identity a consideration for family preference rather than a requirement to be Catholic before making an application.

Number learning has a concrete focus: exploring how numbers form patterns. In January 2025, Ofsted found that children across the early years enjoyed this work. For parents, the useful distinction is that early mathematics involves noticing relationships between numbers, rather than simply learning to recite them.

Relationships and attention also shape learning. In January 2025, early-years children formed positive connections with adults and other children, sustained their attention and tackled unfamiliar activities confidently. These findings describe foundations that matter in a nursery session: feeling comfortable with people, staying involved in an activity and being willing to try something new.

A stay-and-play session can be arranged through the school office. It gives families a specific opportunity to experience the nursery with their child, rather than making the decision solely around attendance hours.

The class teacher starts additional learning support with help from the SENCO. The school works with parents and external agencies to address obstacles to learning. This gives families a clear first point of contact and a route to wider help where their child needs it.

In January 2025, children with SEND were recognised early and helped to settle, with specialist input informing adjustments to learning. That connects support with the practical business of joining school and taking part in activities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council, following the normal application timetable. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as two separate decisions.

For the September 2026 Reception intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. It belongs to that intake and should not be used as the deadline for a later application.

Choose between morning and afternoon attendance during term time. Before-school and after-school club provision can extend the day, subject to eligibility. The school handles nursery applications directly; contact the office on 01538 493888 or email admin@st-marys-leek.staffs.sch.uk for an application pack or to arrange stay and play.

A school tour can also be requested using a booking form. Include your child's age and specify your interest in the nursery so the visit can focus on the provision you are choosing.