St Gregory's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Choosing Time gives this nursery its character: planned play sits alongside activities guided by adults, with growing independence part of the preparation for nursery life. St Gregory's nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school on Woodfield Road in Ealing. Its school setting brings a shared Catholic ethos and access to the school's inclusion team.

Play is a way of learning here. During Choosing Time, children take part in planned play as well as focused activities with an adult. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines physical development, communication and personal and social development with early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond letters and numbers to how children communicate, move and relate to others.

Marvellous Me and Once Upon A Time are among the nursery's topics, alongside How does it grow? These give learning a focus on children themselves, stories and growth. Phonics across the school's early years uses Letters and Sounds, adding a named programme to the play-based approach.

Practical independence matters too. Families are encouraged to help children practise handling coats and shoes, putting belongings away, using cutlery and managing toileting. These are everyday skills that help a child take part in nursery routines.

Home visits form part of getting to know new pupils. The nursery aims to use these conversations to understand children's interests and backgrounds and build relationships with families before school life begins. Across the school, preparation can also include parent meetings, questionnaires and a short visit to a child's new class.

Snack time includes free fruit and milk each day through the Healthy School Scheme. Packed lunches must follow its healthy eating guidelines and contain no nuts. Lunch boxes need labels, making food preparation a practical part of the family's routine.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the class teacher is the first contact, with the Inclusion Lead also available. Support Plans bring together needs, targets and strategies, with parents and teachers reviewing them each term. This gives families a defined opportunity to discuss the next steps. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available within the school, a concrete consideration for families with mobility needs.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives priority under the 2026–2027 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15th January 2026; a Supplementary Information Form was requested for specified faith-based admission categories. That deadline has passed.

Classroom familiarity is a separate matter. When children move between classes or phases, staff share information and support plans with the new teacher. Children meet their next teacher during a Visit your new class session. Extra visits and a book explaining the move can also support children who need them. These arrangements help prepare children for change; they confer no admissions advantage.

Nursery applications use an Applicaa Supplementary Information Form. School tours can be booked, and the office team handles enquiries.

Full uniform is expected. Families should label clothes and provide a labelled spare outfit, with Wellington boots and a puddle suit kept at school. Shoes should have buckles or Velcro, and coats should be navy or black. These details make the preparation list specific. Drop-off and collection should be punctual, with staff informed about changes to the arrangements.