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Nursery at St Alphonsus' Catholic Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Watering cans catching rain capture the character of early learning at St Alphonsus': children pursue a question, and adults turn their curiosity into conversation and new knowledge. Nursery belongs to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), within a Catholic primary school on Cadogan Street in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough.
In May 2024, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years across the school. Children developed independence rapidly and practised sharing and taking turns, although the sequence of learning needed greater precision.
Play and adult guidance work together. The EYFS combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, mathematics, creativity and exploration of the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond a formal lesson: conversation, play and trying things out all have a place.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised shapes the preparation for reading. Nursery children hear stories and poetry, join in action rhymes and practise attentive listening, including hearing spoken sounds combined into words. A reading corner is accessible during free flow, with books changed regularly. Mathematics uses Mastering the Curriculum resources within the activities children can choose, while daily early years maths includes puzzles, puppet play, songs and practical situations.
The physical environment supports exploration. School grounds have been developed for Forest schools learning for all children; early years science includes looking for minibeasts, examining habitats and noticing seasonal changes. Indoors, art and design involves investigating tools and materials with adult help. Catholic learning includes Come and See from Nursery onwards, giving prayer, reflection and religious stories a place alongside other learning.
Learning sequence. In May 2024, adults used spontaneous interests effectively, including children collecting rain in watering cans to extend their vocabulary. However, the curriculum's end goals had not been divided into sufficiently precise stages, and some children missed milestones needed for early learning goals. Families should weigh that curriculum concern alongside the strengths in independence and exploratory play.
Tapestry connects home with the nursery day. Each child has an online learning journal, where staff add observations, photographs and videos. Parents have their own login, can receive email alerts and contribute comments. This gives families a way to discuss learning beyond the classroom.
Nursery staffing includes teaching and teaching assistant roles, with EYFS leadership within the team. For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities, the first contact is the class teacher, who passes information to the SEND coordinator. Appointments with that coordinator can be arranged through the office, giving parents a clear route for discussing additional support.
Caterlink provides the school's meals, with a menu rotating over three weeks. The school asks families to exclude nuts and nut-containing spreads from food brought in because some children have allergies. Parents must also notify the school about medical conditions and changes to the person collecting their child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through the Local Authority Common Application Form. For a Catholic academy application, parents should also complete the Supplementary Information Form; omitting it could affect the application's category.
Both forms must be returned by the local authority's closing date. Completing the forms and supplying supporting evidence is the parent's responsibility, and reminders are not sent. Treat this as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
Morning nursery runs from 8:15am to 11:15am; the afternoon session runs from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. These are distinct session windows, so the timing matters when planning collection and other family commitments.
Families who think they qualify for 30 hours funding can discuss questions with the EYFS team. School enquiries go through the office on 01642 243400.
Uniform includes emerald green tops bearing the school badge, grey skirts or trousers and white shirts or polo shirts. Plain black shoes are required for Nursery too. Label clothing clearly so lost items can be identified and returned.
Morning sessions run from 8:15am to 11:15am, and afternoon sessions from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
No. Parents must apply separately using the Local Authority Common Application Form and should also complete the Supplementary Information Form for a Catholic academy application.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised supports foundations for phonics through stories, poems, rhymes, listening activities and oral blending. Children also have access to a reading corner during free flow.
Tapestry provides an individual online journal with staff observations, photographs and videos. Parents can add comments and receive email notifications when observations are added.
Speak first to the class teacher, who will pass information to the SEND coordinator. An appointment with the coordinator can be arranged through the school office.
