The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Gerard's RC 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and stories shape the early years at St Gerard’s, with a sensory space adding a concrete point of difference for children who need support. This is the nursery within the Catholic primary school on Avalon Court in Hemlington, Middlesbrough. Provision is for three-year-old children, and paid and funded 30-hour places are limited.
Nursery teaching sits within an early years team whose roles span Nursery and Reception, including an EYFS lead. For families, that places the nursery within the school’s early education structure, while its sessions and care arrangements need to be considered on their own terms.
Children have time to choose their own play alongside activities guided by adults and tasks in small groups. Themes change each half term. That combination gives children opportunities to pursue an interest and also take part in focused learning with an adult.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven learning areas. In parent terms, these bring together speaking and listening, movement, relationships and emotions, early literacy and maths, discovering the world, and creative expression. Indoor and outdoor learning form part of the early years environment. Come and See is the religious education programme used in EYFS, connecting Catholic teaching with children’s experiences.
Spoken language gets deliberate attention in Nursery through conversations with adults and stories read by teachers. Early writing begins with making marks for a purpose. Nursery children also visit the local library at least once a term, where they learn how to choose books that interest them. Books extend beyond the classroom.
At the inspection on 30 April and 1 May 2024, Ofsted identified early years communication needs and a response centred on books, rhymes and songs. These give children repeated opportunities to hear and use language, rather than making early literacy solely about printed letters.
The nursery’s sensory space supports children’s exploration through touch, hearing and sight. This was a nursery-specific feature identified in April and May 2024. Parents with concerns can speak with the class teacher and SENCo, giving families a direct route to discuss additional needs.
SEND support. In April and May 2024, adapting the wider curriculum for pupils with SEND remained a school-level improvement priority. Families should distinguish that concern from the nursery’s specific sensory provision when considering support for their child.
For children taking the 30-hour pattern, lunch runs from 11:30am to 12:15pm. They can bring a packed lunch or have a school meal, with charges applying to the school meal. Lunchtime staffing also carries a charge. The school is nut-free, so packed food must exclude nut products.
Parents can join early years activities too. EYFS Stay and Read was scheduled for 7 May 2026, followed by Stay and Play on 4 June 2026, offering opportunities to share children’s learning.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Middlesbrough Council coordinates school admissions; treat the nursery place and the Reception application as separate decisions.
A Reception new starters meeting with Stay and Play was scheduled for 24 June 2026. This was an opportunity linked to starting Reception, not an admissions advantage for nursery children.
Morning nursery sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am. Eligible families can take the 30-hour offer as six continuous hours each day, finishing at 2:30pm. Staying until 3:15pm carries an additional charge for children using that pattern. Contact the school for current charges.
An 11-digit validation code must be given to office staff before an eligible child starts Nursery. Families seeking paid full-time or part-time provision can discuss possibilities with the EYFS lead or school office. To join the waiting list, call 01642 591820.
Nursery uniform includes a white polo top, navy leggings or jogging bottoms, a blue cardigan or jumper, and plain black trainers with Velcro fastenings. The school logo is optional on the jumper or cardigan. Lollipops supplies uniform, and new and preloved items are also held in school.
The nursery provides places for three-year-old children.
The morning session runs from 8:30am to 11:30am.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Children using the 30-hour pattern finish at 2:30pm and can stay until 3:15pm for an additional charge.
Contact the school on 01642 591820 to put your child’s name on the waiting list.
