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Nursery at St James Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Signing, dancing and learning through play give the nursery at St James its character. British Sign Language starts here, while PE combines movement games with activities indoors and outside. These are concrete ways for young children to practise communication and physical skills alongside their early learning.
The nursery belongs to St James Church of England Primary School on Harlestone Road in Northampton and caters for three-year-olds. In January 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the early years phase; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play shapes the learning. Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, or EYFS, through topics that connect with their interests and needs. Adults introduce learning, then children have opportunities to explore and tackle challenges independently. In parent terms, this combines guidance with time to try things for themselves.
Exploration, active participation and thinking through ideas are the skills the nursery aims to develop. Planning also takes account of children's backgrounds and significant occasions in their lives, giving their own experiences a place in the learning. In January 2026, the early years curriculum was responsive to each intake, including its youngest children.
British Sign Language has been taught from nursery upwards since 2022. Children practise words and fingerspelling, sing with signs each week and learn about Deaf people. The BSL Club has also shared a story and its signs with nursery children during Deaf Awareness Week. Communication takes more than one form here.
PE is taught by qualified, experienced PE teachers. Dance, games and activities involving several movement skills take place outside as well as indoors, with the emphasis on developing basic movement. Early years teaching also gives reading a clear place: in January 2026, phonics teaching supported children who needed help catching up.
Children's communication needs receive attention. In January 2026, early years staff had training to help children needing extra support with speech and communication, and used conversation to extend children's understanding. Parents were kept informed about both learning progress and children's enjoyment. Nursery children were happy and adults interacted with them warmly.
Support begins with knowing the child. The January 2026 findings specifically included nursery children in the school's approach to recognising individual needs promptly. Across the school, a SENDCo leads SEN specialists and staff providing individual support. The Ark, an internal specialist provision for the youngest children with significant communication, interaction and ASD difficulties, has a purpose-built environment designed to reduce sensory demands.
A full-time Pastoral Team supports children and families across St James. Safeguarding concerns are logged through MyConcern and passed to the Safeguarding Team, providing a defined route for concerns to reach the adults responsible.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority route. For the September 2026 intake, applications went through West Northamptonshire Council and the deadline was midnight on 15 January 2026. Applications on faith grounds also required a supplementary form returned to the school.
Preparation for the next stage is a separate matter from allocation. In January 2026, nursery staff prepared children well for the move to Reception. That supports readiness for a new classroom; it does not secure admission.
Nursery applications use a nursery application form, with families asked to apply in the term their child turns three. Application enquiries go to the school office on 01604 751475 or office@stjames.pdet.org.uk.
Access to the school is via Harlestone Road. Parents should keep cars off the site, apart from school transport taxis and blue badge holders; even those vehicles must avoid the restricted morning and afternoon periods. Wheelchair access is through the front door.
For PE, children need a pale blue T-shirt, black shorts and trainers or plimsolls. Outdoor clothing adds a jumper without a hood and jogging bottoms in black or navy. Keeping the kit at school allows children to take part when extra opportunities arise.
The nursery caters for three-year-olds. Families are asked to apply during the term their child turns three.
They follow the EYFS through play, topic activities, adult guidance and opportunities to explore independently. PE and British Sign Language are also included.
In January 2026, early years staff had training to support children with additional speech and communication needs. Adults used conversations to develop children's understanding.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through the local authority route. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission.
Contact the school office on 01604 751475 or email office@stjames.pdet.org.uk. Nursery applications use a separate nursery application form.
