Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, rhymes and play give this nursery its character, with large classrooms and covered outdoor areas forming part of the early-years provision. Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School's nursery serves children aged three to four in North Kensington. For September 2026, the school planned an intake of 26 nursery children. This is the school's own nursery class, within a Catholic primary setting whose faith shapes school life.

Morning, afternoon and full-day patterns give families distinct ways to use the provision. It operates during term time, so its calendar follows the school year rather than providing year-round childcare.

Play is the practical starting point for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the nursery's early-learning curriculum. The early-years classrooms have covered areas alongside indoor and outdoor learning space, allowing play to support different parts of the curriculum. These are useful physical features for children whose learning involves activity as well as listening.

At the February 2022 inspection, Ofsted described nursery children sharing books, hearing rhymes and stories, and beginning phonics. That gives early reading a concrete shape: children encounter spoken language and an introduction to sounds before the next stage of learning.

The same inspection described early-years children considering events from their own lives, using past and present to understand sequence. Familiar experiences become a starting point for understanding how events fit together. The focus is on foundations for later learning.

Qualified early-years staff work with the children. Parents can join Open Mornings and Workshops, giving them opportunities to participate in this part of school life. Before the September 2026 intake, new nursery children visited in July, providing an introduction to the setting ahead of starting.

Communication continues through emailed weekly newsletters and text reminders. Parent consultation evenings take place each term, bringing discussion of children's progress and well-being into the regular school calendar.

For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact, with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENco) coordinating further support. Learning Support Plans are discussed and reviewed with parents each term. Speech and Language Therapy and an Educational Psychologist are among the services the school can draw on according to need, so support is planned around the individual child.

Full-day children need a packed lunch. The nursery funding information separates lunchtime supervision from the extended funded hours: that care carries an additional charge, and a meal is not supplied.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Under the 2027-28 admission arrangements, it does not confer an oversubscription priority either. Families must apply separately through their home local authority using its Common Application Form.

For September 2027 entry, the policy gives 15 January 2027 as the admissions closing date. A school Supplementary Information Form is also requested for applications under faith-related criteria 1 to 3 or 5 to 7. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions, with their own paperwork.

Sessions run Monday to Friday: mornings are 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and full days 8.45am to 3.15pm. The general school timetable gives a different nursery start of 9am, so confirm the start attached to your child's booked session before arranging travel.

The funded offer comprises 15 hours, with an extended 30-hour place dependent on eligibility. Additional hours can be bought subject to availability. Eligible families must provide a funding code each term and complete the borough's Parental Declaration Form; ask the school for current charges.

Children use the Nursery Gate for entry and collection. Nursery uniform includes a school-badge sweatshirt and T-shirt, with orders through Stitch Design. Contact the office on 020 8969 0321 or info@st-marys.rbkc.sch.uk for enquiries. Tours of the nursery can be booked through the school.