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Nursery at St Michael'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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Den building, insect hunting and making rhythms in the Secret Garden give St Michael's nursery a practical, outdoors-facing character. In Elswick, Newcastle, this is nursery provision within a Catholic primary school, with Nursery and Reception forming its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit. The school educates children from age three; the nursery is part of that school setting.
The early years judgement was Expected standard in January 2026. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than being a separate nursery rating. There is a clear emphasis on language and independence, alongside specific work still needed on matching activities to children and improving adult conversations.
Learning combines activities with the teacher and time to explore independently. Children are taught as individuals, in small groups and together as a class. The nursery aims to make learning playful and practical: adult input introduces ideas, while ongoing opportunities to choose and investigate let children try things for themselves.
The EYFS curriculum includes developing movement, communication, relationships and emotional understanding. These are everyday foundations: learning to express a need, work alongside another child and become more independent. Inside and outside learning spaces are used, with Forest School and the Secret Garden adding opportunities to investigate nature. Children build dens, make music and discover insects, giving exploration a concrete setting.
In January 2026, the early years environment gave children regular opportunities to practise writing, reading and number skills. Planned activities helped develop resilience and independence. Language development received frequent attention through conversations with adults, but some exchanges needed greater depth to teach vocabulary effectively. Activities also varied in how closely they matched children's interests and needs, sometimes leading children to lose interest. Improving adult interactions throughout the day was an explicit next step. For parents, the important question is how staff extend a child's talk and adjust an activity when engagement fades.
Staff quickly get to know children joining early years, and families feel able to approach them for advice. English language and phonics workshops give parents practical ways to support development at home. The team includes a nursery teacher, while the EYFS lead also holds the special educational needs coordinator role, linking early learning and additional needs support.
For children with additional needs, the school adapts resources and teaching, reviews progress and works with families through meetings and everyday conversations. Across the school, support for children learning English includes visual materials, vocabulary interventions and bilingual books. These provide different ways to understand and participate.
Lunch is part of nursery life, with the nursery lunch period falling between 11:25am and 1:00pm. School dinners are available, and children may bring a healthy packed lunch. Nursery children who do not qualify for free school meals pay for school dinners; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority's normal application process and meet the normal deadline.
For nursery children starting at St Michael's, preparation includes several sessions in their designated Reception classroom towards the end of the summer term. They also play outdoors alongside Reception children and get to know staff through visits to nursery. A summer meeting lets parents discuss personal needs, including dietary or health matters. This builds familiarity; it does not secure admission.
Nursery collection is at Gate 3 at 3:20pm. Tell staff if someone different will collect your child or if you are delayed, so the team can manage the change. Families with several children collect them together at the eldest child's gate.
Enquiries can go through the contact form, by telephone on 0191 273 9383 or by email to enquiries@st-michaels.school.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority's normal process.
The early years provision uses outdoor learning spaces, including the Secret Garden and Forest School. Activities include den building, making music and exploring insects and nature.
Yes. Nursery children can have school dinners or bring a healthy packed lunch. Those who do not qualify for free school meals pay for dinners; contact the school for current charges.
Children starting at St Michael's spend sessions in their designated Reception classroom during the latter part of the summer term. Outdoor play alongside Reception children and staff visits help build familiarity.
Nursery collection is at Gate 3 at 3:20pm. If you have several children at the school, they are collected at the eldest child's gate.
