St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Cullercoats: Nursery Review

Teacher-led provision runs through both nursery attendance options at St Mary's: the universal 15-hour offer for children aged 3 and 4, and the 30-hour offer for eligible families. That gives the nursery a clear classroom identity within this Catholic primary school on Farringdon Road, Cullercoats.

Faith shapes the school's aims and its early learning curriculum. Compassion, patience and resilience are among the values the school aims to develop alongside knowledge and practical skills. Families of other faiths, and those with no faith preference, are welcome to apply; Catholic baptism is not required.

Three-hour morning or afternoon sessions provide the shorter pattern, while children taking the enhanced offer attend from 8.45am to 3.30pm. The learning combines activities children choose with those adults direct. There is room for exploration as well as instruction.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives this learning several connected purposes. Listening and conversation develop communication; cutting, threading and joining exercise small hand movements; exploring materials encourages children to make and test things. Barefoot computing materials introduce thinking skills through play, including spotting patterns, putting instructions in order and checking or repairing creations. Computing here includes reasoning and collaboration, rather than simply using a screen.

In March 2025, early-years teaching emphasised pencil control, drawing simple shapes and developing larger body movements. Activities also helped children explore the meaning of books. These are practical foundations for expressing ideas and gaining physical control. Children practised sharing and taking turns, linking learning with the everyday business of playing together.

The People who help us unit brought two police officers and a midwife into Nursery in June 2025, giving children direct contact with people whose jobs they were exploring. Nursery children also joined the December 2025 Christmas craft morning with their grown-ups. The wider school site includes a large playing field, a multi-use games area and equipment for climbing and agility.

Additional support is organised around each child's needs, with parents involved and external agencies included where appropriate. Families can contact the school's SEND coordinator to discuss support. This makes the conversation about an individual child rather than a single standard package.

Medical care also involves parents supplying relevant information and medication. Individual Care Plans guide staff support, with advice drawn from health professionals and families. Sharing that information is a practical part of preparing for nursery.

Meals across the school are cooked in an on-site kitchen using fresh ingredients sourced locally, with menus rotating over three weeks. For a medically prescribed diet, parents must complete an allergy form and agree suitable menu choices with the cook before a meal can be provided. That agreement matters for children with an allergy or food intolerance.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the North Tyneside Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme and meet the deadline for their admission round. Nursery applications go directly to the school, so the two processes need separate attention.

Learning assessments begin when children join Nursery, allowing staff to track development through early years. Reading and writing assessment outcomes support transition. This concerns continuity of learning; it does not secure admission.

The 15-hour pattern is either 8.45am to 11.45am or 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The enhanced pattern runs from 8.45am to 3.30pm and totals 33 hours and 45 minutes of attendance each week. Families should distinguish the funded offer from the full attendance period and obtain current charges from the school.

Morning and Out of School Clubs provide extended care. Contact the office on 0191 251 8080 or email stmarysrcprimary@stmarysonline.co.uk for nursery enquiries and visits. Check St Mary's own term dates when planning childcare: the trust sets them, and they may differ from North Tyneside's dates.