Sacred Heart Primary School Nursery Review

Butterfly life cycles, growing plants and conversation characterised Sacred Heart’s early years learning in May 2024. This is provision for three-year-olds within a Catholic primary school on Ayresome Street in Middlesbrough, with morning and afternoon sessions rather than a single compulsory school day.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play and adult guidance share the learning day. Children choose activities, work in small groups and explore indoors and outdoors, with themes tied to the seasons. Their interests can change the direction of a topic. This gives children room to pursue an idea while adults introduce new skills and knowledge.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, physical skills and emotional and social development, alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Here, vocabulary and conversation have a clear emphasis. In May 2024, adult exchanges with children were effective, and children developed independence and confidence quickly. For parents, the practical significance is learning that helps children express themselves as well as take part.

Nature gives that learning something concrete to work with. In May 2024, nursery children explored how butterflies develop; across early years, children sowed seeds and watched plants grow. These activities give them changes to notice and talk about. In May 2024, outdoor learning also involved energetic movement: children crawled, jumped and climbed, while swinging on ropes developed core strength. Physical activity is part of learning, alongside quieter exploration.

Catholic education shapes the curriculum too. Come and See is the religious education programme used from EYFS onwards, connecting learning with the Catholic faith and also introducing other faiths.

Nursery staffing includes teaching roles, a teaching assistant and a teacher who also holds the school’s SENDCo role. The link between nursery teaching and special educational needs coordination gives families a relevant point of contact for discussing additional needs.

Settling is supported through the school’s pastoral team. The pastoral lead helps new children adjust and supports families, with access to services including Play Therapy and the Bungalow Project. This places settling within a wider family support structure.

The early years team encourages parents and carers to share information about their child’s needs. In May 2024, early years children were cooperative and willing to help others, a useful part of learning to share activities and manage relationships.

Attending Sacred Heart’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate: families must apply again through the normal Reception process by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for a school place as two distinct decisions.

Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the afternoon session runs from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. These are the nursery hours to use when planning collection and other childcare.

A nursery application form is available, and enquiries go through the school office on 01642 816083. The school’s autumn half-term holiday runs from 26 to 30 October 2026, with a staff development day on 9 October when children do not attend. Those closure dates matter when arranging care around a nursery session.