St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Nursery, Newton Aycliffe

Rhymes, stories and learning through play give this nursery its character. St Joseph's welcomes two and three year olds within its Catholic primary school in Newton Aycliffe. The nursery describes its aims as developing children's confidence and social skills through play, giving families a school setting from age two.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Books give children something to join in with. In September 2022, nursery children participated in repeated parts of stories and put questions about books to adults. Rhymes were part of their introduction to reading too. For a parent, the useful detail is the participation: children were contributing to story time, rather than simply listening.

Across early years, children could choose and reach learning activities independently. Adults demonstrated activities and supplied the language children needed to take part. Children enjoyed working alongside their key adult and responded positively to this guidance. This combines opportunities to make choices with adult help in understanding what to do and how to talk about it.

The morning and afternoon patterns each provide a distinct session. Morning nursery runs from 8.45am until 11.45am; afternoon nursery starts at 12.15pm and finishes at 3.15pm.

Early identification of developmental difficulties is part of the school's approach to young children. Staff are expected to respond to emerging needs and listen to parents' concerns. The SENCO coordinates special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, with parents informed when their child receives special educational support. Children with SEND are supported to participate alongside their peers.

Support across the school follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Parents help agree outcomes and support strategies, so the next steps involve the family. Visual resources, practical materials and adapted questioning are among the teaching adjustments used. The school also works with Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy where specialist advice is needed.

Teachers throughout the school hold Qualified Teacher Status, and teaching assistants have at least a level 1 qualification. A disabled toilet near the school entrance provides a concrete accessibility feature for families considering physical care needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2026-2027 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application to their home local authority using its Common Application Form. For entry in September 2026, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that application cycle is past.

Transition support is a separate matter. Across the school, extra visits, social stories and individual transition plans can be used where children need enhanced arrangements when changing classes. Familiarisation and support do not change the admissions process.

Choose between the morning session, 8.45am to 11.45am, and the afternoon session, 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Those times are the practical starting point for fitting nursery around family routines.

For enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the reception team at admin@stjosephsna.bhcet.org.uk. The school is on Garburn Place, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7DE, and can also be reached on 01325 300 337.