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 Catherine's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sand, water and play dough are everyday materials at St Catherine's nursery. This is a school nursery built around practical exploration, with a teacher-led day that alternates short group activities and time for children to choose their play.
The provision caters for three- and four-year-olds within St Catherine's Catholic Primary School in Sandyford, Newcastle upon Tyne. Capacity is 26 full-time equivalent places, rather than a count of children attending each session. It operates separately from Ladybirds Playgroup, the independent setting sharing the school site. Families of any faith, or none, are welcome.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 3 and 4 June 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
At 8:45am, children practise writing their names and decide what to play. A language or maths group follows at 9:00am, before indoor exploration. Snack at 10:30am doubles as a chance to count and talk; outdoor play follows. Before lunch at 11:45am, there is a sound-awareness game and a story. The afternoon returns to indoor and outdoor activity, with dough disco or squiggle while you wiggle and a final story and reflection.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside Development Matters, gives this play its learning structure. Talking, relationships and movement sit alongside early literacy, number, creativity and discovering how the world works. Adults combine focused teaching with support for children's own investigations. Termly observations and assessments help shape the next activities, so learning can build on what a child already understands.
Labelled indoor resources let children make their own choices. Outside, the early years area developed in summer 2025 includes balance beams and climbing equipment, scooters and bikes. Mud, sand and water give children opportunities to dig, build and pour. Outdoor activity continues in different weather, making a puddle suit and wellies practical essentials.
In June 2025, nursery children remained absorbed in activities, and the indoor and outdoor surroundings supported their learning. Songs and rhymes helped confidence develop. Curriculum planning. Some early years learning lacked a sufficiently clear sequence of essential knowledge, leaving some children with gaps. Families should weigh that concern alongside the positive findings about engagement and the learning environment.
A qualified teacher works alongside a member of staff qualified to at least Level 3. Nursery nurses share the week: one covers Monday to Wednesday, another Thursday and Friday. This gives parents a clear picture of the team across their child's attendance pattern.
Seesaw carries photographs of nursery learning and lets families share experiences from home. Staff are available for conversations before or after the day; parents can message through Seesaw to arrange a longer discussion. That creates space for both brief updates and more private concerns.
Lunch includes a hot meal prepared at school, with a vegetarian option. Nursery lunch begins at 11:45am. For additional learning needs, the school's SEND coordinator is the initial contact. Parents are involved early in assessments, with informal updates and review meetings; the school also works with Newcastle's Special Educational Needs Teaching and Advisory Support Service (SENTASS).
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the Common Application Form (CAF). Newcastle residents apply through Newcastle City Council.
Applications usually begin in autumn and close in January. The local authority confirms the exact dates each year, so families need to follow the deadline for their own application cycle. Nursery learning aims to develop independence and readiness for the next stage; that preparation is separate from securing admission.
The nursery day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm, Monday to Friday. Morning attendance ends at 12:15pm. Split-week choices combine Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday; Wednesday top-ups are also offered.
From the term following their third birthday, children qualify for 15 funded hours weekly. Eligible working parents can use up to 30 funded hours across 38 weeks annually. Agree the attendance pattern and any top-up charges with the school before booking. Lunch and wraparound care can involve additional charges; contact the office for current costs.
Wraparound provision spans 7:30am to 5:45pm. Ladybird Children's Nursery operates the breakfast and after-school clubs in the small hall, with separate booking. Nursery applications go directly to the school. Call 0191 232 6803 or email office@stcatherinesnewcastle.org; tours can also be requested through a booking form. Cars cannot enter the grounds, so plan drop-off and collection accordingly.
The curriculum is designed for three- and four-year-olds. Children can join from the term after turning three.
Short language, maths and sound-awareness activities alternate with indoor and outdoor play. Painting, sand, water, play dough, stories and movement activities feature in the routine.
Children qualify for 15 weekly funded hours from the term after their third birthday. Eligible working parents can use up to 30 hours over 38 weeks a year. Attendance patterns and any top-ups should be agreed with the school.
No. A separate application goes through your home local authority using the Common Application Form. Applications usually close in January, with exact dates confirmed annually by the local authority.
Seesaw shares photographs of learning and allows parents to contribute photographs from home. Nursery staff are available before and after the day, and a longer conversation can be arranged through Seesaw.
