St Catherine's RC Primary School Nursery Review

Outdoor games with older Play Leaders give this nursery a connection to the wider school day. Children have help to play together and use their outdoor learning space, bringing social learning into the afternoon.

St Catherine's RC Primary School in Didsbury has up to 60 nursery places within a Catholic primary school. The school's age range begins at three. Ofsted graded its early years provision Good following the inspection on 7 and 8 November 2023; that judgement covers early years within the school.

Learning extends beyond the classroom. In November 2023, early years activities indoors and outside helped children gain knowledge and skills across the early years areas of learning. For parents, this means the learning environment includes both classroom activity and outdoor experiences, rather than treating outside time simply as a break.

Play Leaders add a specific social element. Older pupils support nursery children during the opening part of the afternoon, helping with games and interaction with other children. Their role centres on making use of the outdoor learning environment. It gives younger children opportunities to practise playing together with support from older schoolmates.

The timetable also gives the day a clear shape: full nursery days begin at 8.45am and finish at 3.15pm, with a lunch period from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Additional needs have an early years planning route. The EYFS lead and staff identify children who may need extra help, then work with the SEND coordinator to plan support. The school assigns a SEND coordinator to the youngest year groups, including Nursery. This gives families a defined team structure for discussing concerns.

Physical resources include two school sensory rooms that any child can use, and an accessible toilet in Early Years. These are school facilities, rather than a separate nursery-only offer.

The school's SEND arrangements involve parents in reviewing targets each term. Its support cycle assesses a child's needs, plans help, puts it into practice and reviews progress. That makes parental discussion part of decisions about support. For children with SEND joining the school, visits before starting and an induction pack form part of the joining arrangements. Across the school, teachers are qualified and receive further professional development.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application: complete the school's Reception form and also apply online through Manchester City Council. Both steps matter, including for children already attending Nursery.

The school requires the completed form to be returned with a birth certificate, council tax bill and, where the family has one, a baptism certificate. Treat this as a fresh application rather than an automatic move from the nursery register.

Weekly pattern. Nursery A attends Monday and Tuesday from 8.45am to 3.15pm, then Wednesday from 8.45am to noon. Nursery B attends Wednesday from noon to 3.15pm, followed by Thursday and Friday from 8.45am to 3.15pm. The split Wednesday is a practical consideration when arranging childcare around the nursery week.

Uniform. Nursery clothing includes a white polo shirt, grey trousers, skirt or pinafore, black shoes and a burgundy school-logo jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan. The burgundy outer layer is the required branded element; the other listed clothing can be unbranded. Label clothing clearly.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 445 6359 or email admin@st-catherines.manchester.sch.uk.