Saint Joseph's Catholic Primary School, the Borough: Nursery Review

Play crosses classroom boundaries here: nursery children can spend parts of their day moving between the Nursery and Reception environments. That shared early years setting gives them opportunities to explore beyond their own learning area, while remaining within the school's provision.

Saint Joseph's nursery sits within a Catholic primary school at Little Dorrit Court in Borough. Children can be considered for entry in the term after their third birthday. Families of any faith, or none, can apply if they support the school's religious ethos. Catholic teaching is part of the experience, with Come and See used for religious education and early years celebrations including Eid and Diwali.

Discovery Time alternates with group work and carpet sessions in the early years timetable. Lunch falls at 11:40am; afternoon activities resume at 12:40pm and include a snack. This gives the day a recognisable rhythm, with time for children to explore as well as gather together.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, combines learning with care. Here, its foundations are movement, relationships and communication; alongside these come number work, early literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Adults demonstrate skills and guide activities, while children also choose their own play. Plans can change in response to emerging interests and needs, so children's choices help shape their learning.

Independence has a practical basis. Classroom resources are arranged in separate learning areas so children can select equipment themselves. Activities extend outdoors as well as indoors. Early years children also have access to BeeBots, iPads and classroom desktop computers, with adults showing them how to handle equipment safely.

Early reading uses Read Write Inc. Nursery children work on recognising Set 1 sounds and joining sounds to make words. Magnetic letters and boards make that process something children can handle, rather than simply listen to. Ofsted's October 2023 inspection described early years learning that stimulated curiosity, strengthened speech and developed independence, including recognising and counting whole numbers.

Lunch is cooked at school by Harrison Catering. Children can choose meat or vegetarian dishes, cold food and salads, with fruit among the desserts. Vegan, halal and allergy-related diets are catered for. Southwark currently funds meals for nursery children, and packed lunches are not permitted: families need to plan around the school meal rather than send food from home.

For additional needs, the school's support system uses an Assess, Plan, Do and Review cycle. Staff qualifications include WellComm Early Years assessment and intervention, while the SENDIFF team supplies assessment and support specifically for early years children. A sensory room is among the school's support spaces.

Parents of children receiving SEN support have termly teacher meetings under the inclusion policy. Speech and Language Care Plans are also shared and reviewed each term. These give families regular opportunities to discuss needs and contribute to support decisions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The 2027–2028 admission arrangements give no priority for attending the nursery: allocation follows the school's faith and care-status categories, with sibling, evidenced needs and distance priorities within them.

For September 2027 entry, families must apply separately through their home local authority using the Common Application Form and return the school's Supplementary Information Form by 15 January 2027. Keep that deadline separate from the nursery enquiry.

Familiarity and admission are different matters. Shared early years environments provide contact with Reception surroundings. The school's SEND information also describes summer transition visits for incoming Reception children and parents, extra visits where appropriate, and transition books for children with additional needs.

The nursery day runs from 9:00am to 3:15pm. Contact the office team on 020 7407 2642 or office@saintjosephsborough.co.uk for nursery enquiries. Open mornings can be booked by telephone, giving parents an opportunity to see the school and discuss its provision.

Uniform orders go through the office. If a child is absent, notify the school by 9:00am; keep emergency contact details updated so staff can reach you if your child becomes unwell.