St Augustine's Catholic Primary School, Costessey: Nursery Review

A sand pit, digging area and covered outdoor space give Mice Class its practical, exploratory character. This is St Augustine's nursery for children aged 3-4, part of the school's Early Years team in Old Costessey. The nursery occupies purpose-built accommodation at the rear of the school, with a large classroom and enclosed playground beside the playing field and Multi-Use Games Area.

The emphasis is on a school nursery day with room to explore. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 24 and 25 June 2025; that judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Outdoor play has several distinct forms here. Children can investigate the sand pit, use the slide and climbing frame, or dig and get messy. A canopy shelters the outside space, allowing outdoor activity in different weather. Indoors, the large classroom contains play equipment too, so exploration has space on both sides of the door.

The Early Years Foundation Stage covers development from birth to five and includes nursery education. Here, learning through exploration sits alongside activities that build knowledge in manageable steps. In June 2025, children in early years enjoyed exploring their learning surroundings, with activities sequenced to develop skills and a clear emphasis on communication and language. For parents, that means conversation and children's growing ability to express themselves are central learning priorities.

Bug Club Phonics is used across EYFS. Its approach links letter sounds with reading, supported by books matched to children's phonics stage. The June 2025 findings also identified a school-wide concern: additional reading support was applied unevenly, slowing some pupils' progress towards fluent reading. Checks on pupils' understanding also needed greater precision across the school so subsequent work better matched their learning needs.

One nursery teacher leads both parts of the day, supported by a team. That gives the morning and afternoon a shared teaching lead. In June 2025, early years staff knew children closely and developed warm relationships with them. Mindfulness Monsters also supports wellbeing within EYFS.

Families can raise wellbeing concerns through a form or a conversation with their child's teacher. For SEND, the school uses a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review, with the SENDCo working alongside class teachers and advising parents. Specialist advice can include speech and language therapy or occupational therapy, providing routes to support different needs.

Breakfast club accepts nursery children. Breakfast choices include fruit, yoghurt and toast, with water or milk among the drinks; families must tell the office about allergies and dietary requirements. A nursery staff member collects children from the club. Optional afternoon nursery sessions include supervision over lunchtime.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Norfolk County Council, either online or using its preference form. A supplementary information form is also required by the school. Treat the two applications as separate decisions when planning your child's next step.

The nursery team plans learning alongside Reception colleagues. This connects the adults' work across early years, but does not secure admission to Reception.

The nursery operates during school terms for 38 weeks a year. Every child attends all five morning sessions, from 9am to noon. Afternoons run from noon to 3pm and must be reserved beforehand through the school office. This is a fixed morning pattern, with optional afternoon additions.

Government funding covers 15 morning hours per week. Eligible children can use 30-hour funding for afternoons; otherwise afternoons are charged. Contact the school for current charges. Families must return an Early Education Funding form each term so funding can be claimed.

Enquiries and nursery applications go through the school office on 01603 743317. Breakfast club runs from 8am to 8:45am and also requires office booking; children needing breakfast must arrive by 8:20am.

Parking. Space near the school is severely restricted around 9am and 3pm. Parking at St. Walstan's Church on Townhouse Road provides an alternative with a short walk. Wheelchair access to the nursery goes through the school's front entrance and down a slope into its outdoor play area.