Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Nursery

Play led by children’s interests, a teacher-led team and a hot lunch included: Sacred Heart’s nursery combines early learning with practical support for the family day. It has 60 places for children aged three and four within the Catholic primary school on Georges Road in Holloway. Children can begin in the term following their third birthday.

Catholic life has a concrete place in early learning: children learn prayers from the EYFS Prayer Book. Families of any faith, or none, are welcome. This is a school nursery with its own early-years learning approach, rather than simply an introduction to older children’s lessons.

Children’s interests help shape the activities. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning combines adult-directed teaching with play across seven areas of development. In parent terms, children have opportunities to explore ideas themselves, while adults demonstrate, ask questions and extend what they are doing. Playing alongside others gives them practice in discussing ideas, negotiating and asking questions.

Music brings another kind of exploration. Kapow provides topics for teaching from the early years onwards; children try instruments both independently and together, sing, and make rhythms through movement. Nursery children also have access to iPads and Seesaw. The Cultural Passport programme lists an Exotic Animal Workshop (Mobile Zoo) as an example of nursery enrichment funded by FOSH, with experiences varying between years.

Outdoor learning has a specific inspection basis. At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that the enlarged outdoor area gave early-years children more opportunities to develop and rehearse skills, and that staff accurately recognised their next learning steps. Children were keen to take part.

There was also a curriculum concern in October 2022: some newly appointed subject leaders needed a clearer understanding of progression beginning in early years. Developing their expertise was an improvement requirement. That qualification matters alongside the positive findings about daily early-years teaching.

A qualified teacher leads the nursery, with support staff alongside them. In October 2022, clear expectations helped children adjust to early-years routines. Every nursery child receives a hot lunch free of charge, so lunch provision is included rather than an extra family expense.

SeeSaw connects home and class. Parents can message the teacher and share WOW Moments, which are celebrated in class each week. Certificates can also record achievements such as managing a zip or dressing independently. Everyday progress counts here, including progress made away from school.

Speech and language support includes a therapist for the Early Years, with individual or group work and advice for parents and staff. Under the school’s SEND arrangements, families can raise concerns with the class teacher or SENCO. Support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review, giving parents a role in agreeing what help their child needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The nursery admissions page gives preference to children already enrolled, while directing families to the Reception Admissions policy. Preference and a guaranteed offer are different things. Parents must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.

Transition support is a separate matter. The SEND information report describes a morning with the next teacher near the end of term, staff handovers and social stories for children who need them. These arrangements help prepare children for a change of class; they do not secure admission.

The nursery operates during term time, with the school day running from 8.45am to 3.25pm. Options include 30 funded hours for families meeting the eligibility criteria, a 15-hour pattern described as Monday to Wednesday all day, and 15 funded hours supplemented by two charged days. Contact the school for current charges.

Paid wraparound provision spans 7.45am to 6pm. Wraparound eligibility. The SEND information report excludes children who still need nappies and toileting support, and/or cannot communicate their wants and needs verbally. Families relying on extended care need to factor these conditions into their plans.

Applications and nursery visits are arranged through the office on 02076073407 or admin@sacredheart.islington.sch.uk. Entry is possible at the beginning of each of the three terms, subject to places. For visits, plan the journey carefully: there is no visitor car park.