Our Lady and St Anne's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Little Red Riding Hood with props in February 2023 and pretend cakes in a food corner in February 2024 show how nursery children explored language and familiar experiences through play. The nursery belongs to Our Lady and St Anne's Catholic Primary School on Summerhill Terrace in Newcastle upon Tyne. It has its own entrance, a short walk from the main school entrance, giving families a distinct point for nursery drop-off and collection.

A nursery teacher forms part of the teaching team. The school also has an EYFS lead, linking the nursery's work to the wider early years provision.

The nursery day runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning about the world includes exploring children's surroundings and local community. This gives early geography a practical starting point: making sense of places and experiences children can recognise.

Stories provide another route into language. In February 2023, nursery children heard Little Red Riding Hood with props, while the teacher asked questions about the story's vocabulary. Objects and discussion gave children more ways to understand the tale than listening alone.

In February 2024, the Celebration topic included a food corner where children arranged pretend cakes on a table; some children were playing outside. These are concrete examples of learning through familiar situations, with opportunities to practise conversation and sharing. Writing opportunities also extend across the curriculum from Nursery onwards, so early writing is connected with children's wider learning.

In June 2023, Ofsted recorded that children began learning letter sounds in the Nursery Year. That places the first steps towards reading within the nursery experience.

For children with additional needs, the school's support structure includes a special educational needs coordinator, class teachers and teaching assistants. Personal provision plans and care plans are reviewed regularly, giving families a continuing framework for discussing their child's needs.

School facilities include the Sensory Room and Learning Hub classroom for planned activities and targeted support. Visual timetables help children understand what happens next. Parents can discuss initial concerns with the class teacher or arrange a conversation with the coordinator through the school office.

SunBeams supports children from Early Years through the end of Key Stage One after a loss. Puppets, teddy bears and play activities help young children express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Families can approach the school office about this support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no priority under the 2027-2028 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, using its Common Application Form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Keep that application separate from the nursery arrangements.

Nursery applications require the child's birth certificate and proof of address. Contact the school office on 0191 2325496 or email ourladyadmin@olsa.org.uk to enquire.

Eligible working parents can apply for a 30-hour childcare code through GOV.UK or Childcare Choices and must reconfirm eligibility every three months. The entitlement combines the universal 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds with an additional 15 hours for eligible families. Funded hours can involve separate charges for meals, consumables or additional activities; contact the school for current charges.