Our Lady and St Werburgh's Catholic Primary School Nursery

Questions about identity, journeys and caring for God's world give this nursery its character. Catholic learning starts here, with a Nursery classroom within Our Lady and St Werburgh's Catholic Primary School on Seabridge Lane in Clayton. The school welcomes children from age 3+.

Provision accommodates 30 full-time children, attending for 30 hours each week. Part-time places are also offered. Nursery belongs to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), so this is an introduction to school life within the primary setting.

The Big Question approach gives each term a focus. Autumn explores Who Am I?, spring asks Who Helps Us On Our Journey?, and summer turns to Who Cares for God's World? These themes connect children's own experiences with people and the world around them. The school's curriculum aims place emphasis on speaking and expressing ideas, making conversation part of its educational purpose.

Nursery religious education uses Birmingham's diocesan strategy, which connects learning and growing with being God's people. Bible stories, drama, art and prayer are among the ways children encounter Catholic teaching. Faith therefore shapes learning activities as well as the school's identity.

In September 2022, early-years children developed number knowledge progressively, beginning with counting and understanding numbers. Phonics also started in early years through a systematic programme: an organised approach to learning sounds for reading. There was a caution alongside this foundation. Some children at the school's early reading stages struggled to apply phonics to unfamiliar words, affecting confidence and fluency; this was not identified as a Nursery-only concern.

School induction includes an invitation to meet staff and visit the child's future classroom during the term before entry. That gives families a concrete introduction to the people and room their child will know.

For additional needs, the school has a SEND coordinator and aims to tailor support to individual children. Families also have access to a Family Support Worker through the office, offering advice and connections to further help. These are distinct routes for learning needs and wider family concerns.

High expectations for behaviour began in Nursery in September 2022. Safeguarding concerns can be directed to the school's designated lead or deputy leads through the office.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives priority. Applications are assessed against the same oversubscription criteria whether a child attends this nursery or comes from elsewhere. Families must apply again.

For September 2027 entry, applications open on 1 November 2026 and must be submitted by 15 January 2027. Staffordshire residents apply through Staffordshire County Council; families living elsewhere use their home local authority's process. A Supplementary Information Form must also reach the school by that same deadline. Treat the council application and the school form as two separate tasks.

Families eligible for 15 funded hours rather than the full 30 can supplement their child's attendance using childcare vouchers or a payment arrangement. Discuss current charges with the school office before committing to the additional attendance.

Nursery applications go directly to the school. For the 2026–2027 academic year or later, the office provides an Expression of Interest form and can arrange a school tour. Call 01782 973888 or email office.olsw@ctkcc.co.uk. This is also the contact route for discussing the application process and funding arrangements.