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Nursery at The Good Shepherd Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication gives this pre-school its clearest educational character. At The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School in Northampton, language development runs through nursery learning, giving children practice in expressing themselves as part of their education. The provision belongs to a Catholic primary school, which describes its faith as shaping both teaching and daily school life. For families, that makes the school's religious character part of the choice from the outset.
Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 4 and 5 March 2025. This covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately graded nursery. The judgement also comes with a specific concern about checking children's learning, which matters when considering how teaching responds to individual needs.
Language is woven into nursery teaching. That means communication is part of learning rather than an isolated activity, with the emphasis on helping children develop their spoken responses. In March 2025, this approach was identified as useful for children learning English as an additional language. It gives families a concrete educational focus to consider: helping a child communicate and take part in learning.
Assessment needs attention. In March 2025, checks sometimes missed gaps or misunderstandings in early years learning. As a result, staff did not consistently choose the next teaching steps children needed to develop secure knowledge. The required improvement was more effective use of assessment to guide teaching. For parents, the practical issue is whether a child's understanding is recognised accurately before learning moves forward.
Additional support sits within the school's SEND arrangements. Teachers monitor progress and adjust learning tasks to children's differing abilities. Where a child needs planning beyond that level, an individual education plan is developed with the special educational needs co-ordinator. Parents are informed, and discussion with them is encouraged, giving families a role in understanding and reviewing support.
Outside professional help may also be sought, with parents' permission and co-operation. Questions about a child's development or learning can be raised through the school office by email, telephone or an arranged appointment. These are useful routes for beginning a conversation about additional needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route.
For September 2027 entry, applications go through West Northamptonshire Council's School Admissions Team, with a closing date of 15 January 2027. A Supplementary Information Form must also be returned to the school; Catholic or Christian applicants must additionally complete a Parish Priest or Pastor's Reference Form. Families therefore need to handle both the council application and the school's supplementary paperwork.
The school is on Kingsland Gardens in Northampton, NN2 7BH. Contact the office on 01604 714399 or email office@tgs.nor.olicatschools.org to make an enquiry. A contact form also accepts a message and contact details, providing another direct route to the school.
Yes. The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School has its own pre-school provision.
Communication and language are woven into nursery teaching, including support for children learning English as an additional language.
Early years provision was judged Good at the inspection on 4 and 5 March 2025. Checks on learning sometimes missed gaps or misunderstandings, and more effective use of assessment was required.
No. A separate application is required. For September 2027 entry, apply through West Northamptonshire Council's School Admissions Team by 15 January 2027 and complete the required supplementary paperwork.
Contact the school office by email or telephone, or arrange an appointment. The school's SEND arrangements include consultation with parents and permission before seeking outside professional help.
