Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School Nursery

Listening comes before letter sounds here. Children in the nursery at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School learn to distinguish sounds around them, building the foundations for reading. This is the school's own nursery class on Treadgold Street, Notting Hill, with entry for children aged three and a Catholic character that families are expected to support.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

An 8:55 start and 15:20 finish give the nursery a school-day rhythm. The timetable places the morning break between 10:15 and 10:30, followed by a lunch period from 11:45 to 13:00. Teachers can adjust the timetable for special activities; an afternoon break in EYFS is discretionary. These timings give families a concrete picture of how learning and breaks fit together.

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), two foundations stand out: listening and number. In October 2024, nursery children were learning to recognise environmental sounds, preparing them for later work with letter sounds. Across early years, children developed a secure grasp of number and used that understanding in other learning. The emphasis is on knowledge children can put to use.

Settling begins with a conversation about the individual child. Home visits are arranged for nursery starters, giving families time to discuss needs and receive information. In October 2024, nursery routines became familiar quickly after children joined, helping establish a predictable start to school life.

For children needing additional support, the school's SEND policy provides for an Individual Support Plan, with targets and strategies discussed with parents. Plans are reviewed each term and shared with families, so support has an agreed focus and a regular point for checking progress. EYFS children with behavioural difficulties or concerns across the areas of SEND can receive intervention support.

Care also extends to lunchtime: meal supervisors are informed about dietary, physical or behavioural needs requiring extra attention. Physical access. The March 2025 SEND policy describes playground ramps, ground-floor classrooms and a hall, but records the lifts as out of operation pending repair funding. Families with mobility needs should take that limitation into account.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through their home local authority; the 2027-2028 Reception arrangements give no priority for nursery attendance. Familiarity with the school does not replace that application.

For September 2027 Reception entry, complete the local authority eAdmissions application and the school's Supplementary Information Form, alongside the relevant supporting documents. The deadline is 15 January 2027 at 17:00.

Transition support is a separate matter. The school uses an annual programme of class handovers and can prepare social stories where a change is likely to be difficult. This addresses the child's adjustment, rather than the allocation of a place.

The nursery model is a full-time, 30-hour placement with a weekly charge. Working families may qualify for 30-hour childcare funding; eligibility can be checked through Childcare Choices. Contact the school for current charges.

For the nursery timetable, the gate opens at 8:45 before the 8:55 start, and collection begins at 15:20. Nursery enquiries can go to the school office at office@franassisi.co.uk or 0207 727 8523.