Acorns Nursery at St Louis Catholic Academy

Songs, rhymes and model-making give Acorns its character: early learning built around things children can say, shape and explore. This is St Louis Catholic Academy’s nursery in Newmarket, with entry possible, subject to space, from the term after a child turns three. It belongs to a Catholic school, so faith forms part of the wider setting’s identity.

Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 11 and 12 February 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Nursery children were learning speech sounds accurately through musical and playful activities, giving their early reading work a concrete starting point.

Acorns has morning and afternoon sessions, with a lunchtime club between them. That gives the day distinct blocks rather than one uninterrupted session, an important practical distinction when planning collection and care.

Making is a tangible part of nursery learning. Children combine materials to build vehicle models, shape playdough or clay, and use blocks with small-world resources to devise homes for animals. These activities bring early design into play: children have an idea, choose materials and try to make it work.

The Early Years Foundation Stage includes learning about the world around children. St Louis’s early years curriculum draws on the Primary Knowledge Curriculum for this Understanding the World work, using stories, investigations and vocabulary to help children ask questions and develop a sense of their place in the world. Religious education also runs through early years learning.

Outdoor spaces support exploration across the school. A concrete feature specific to Acorns is ramp access to the nursery classroom, relevant for children with physical access needs.

Leadership of the early years phase spans Nursery and Reception, alongside responsibility for phonics and early reading. For concerns about additional needs, parents can speak first to their child’s teacher or contact the special educational needs coordinator directly at senco@stlouisacademy.co.uk. This gives families a clear route into discussing support.

Where a child has a Learning Plan or an Education, Health and Care Plan, the school involves parents in setting and reviewing targets. Plans are shared each term, allowing families to contribute feedback rather than leaving decisions entirely to staff.

SEND support. In February 2025, the school had an identified weakness in staff’s consistent assessment and adaptation of learning for pupils with SEND; some needs were not reliably met. This was a school-wide concern, rather than a nursery-specific finding. Families considering Acorns for a child with additional needs should make the adaptations their child requires central to discussions.

An Acorns place does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery admission is separate, and families must apply again through the local authority where they live. The annual application window opens on 12 September and closes on 15 January for entry the following September. A Supplementary Information Form is also required when applying to St Louis.

For children with special needs joining Reception, transition support can include contact with their current nursery or a home visit, discussions with parents and extra transition opportunities tailored to the child. These arrangements help children prepare for the change. Families must still make a separate Reception application through the local authority where they live.

The morning session runs from 8.40am to 11.40am; afternoon provision runs from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Lunchtime club occupies 11.40am to 12.20pm. Keep those separate timings in mind when planning the family day.

Contact the school office on 01638 662719 or admin@stlouisacademy.co.uk for enquiries. Visits during teaching hours can be arranged through the office.

Parking. Parents are directed to the Waitrose car park. Parking on Rayes Lane and Fordham Road is prohibited during school hours, while parking on the school site is reserved for staff and visitors. Allow for the walk when planning collection.