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Nursery at St Mary's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Messy outdoor learning and music give St Mary's nursery its character. Foundation Stage 1 is the nursery provision within this Catholic primary school on Beaconsfield Street in Hyson Green, Nottingham. A member of the nursery team has Forest School training, while the school's music leader also teaches in the Foundation Stage. Those interests bring outdoor exploration, singing and movement into the nursery's day.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Stories, rhymes and shared books are concrete features of early learning here. In November 2022, children in early years enjoyed reading markets, sharing books with one another, while adults helped them connect letters with their sounds. Children settled readily into expectations for behaviour and learning and showed confidence. For parents, this gives a picture of early literacy built around listening, participation and familiarity with books.
Music adds something tangible. Early years children explore percussion, including djembes, and music sessions take place weekly across the school. Nursery teaching includes singing, dancing and musical play, giving children ways to join in through sound and movement as well as words.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes the nursery's Foundation Stage 1 provision. Outdoor learning and messy activity are part of its character, alongside making friends. The nursery team includes a Forest School trained practitioner; this establishes staff training, rather than a promise of a particular Forest School session pattern.
Parents have a practical route into additional support: speak to the class teacher about concerns, with the special educational needs coordinator becoming involved as needed. Across the school, children with SEND have pupil profiles containing short-term targets, reviewed each term with families and teachers. Personalised support can involve individual work or small groups, with advice from professionals such as a speech and language therapist. This gives families specific targets to discuss rather than a general promise of help.
Physical access is also concrete: the school occupies one level and has an accessible toilet. Children with medical conditions have an Individual Healthcare Plan specifying their support needs.
Communication extends beyond meetings. Weekly Chatterbox prompts arrive by email to help parents talk with their child about learning. Designated safeguarding leads can be contacted through the school office about a child's safety, health or wellbeing.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Nottingham City Council. For the September 2026 intake, the application window ran from 3 November 2025 to 15 January 2026; that deadline has passed.
For a child applying as a baptised Catholic, parents must also complete the supplementary form and return it with a copy of the baptism certificate to the school office before the closing date. Both steps matter: the council application and the faith documentation serve different purposes.
Morning nursery runs from 8:40am to 11:40am; the afternoon session is 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The full-day option runs from 8:40am to 3:30pm and is designated 30-Hour Funded Provision. These nursery times are the ones to use when planning collection and work commitments.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0115 9151799 or email admin@smca.nottingham.sch.uk.
Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am, afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and the full day from 8:40am to 3:30pm.
Yes. The full-day session is designated 30-Hour Funded Provision.
No. Families must apply separately through Nottingham City Council. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission.
Early years children explore percussion instruments, including djembes. Singing, dancing and musical play also feature in the Foundation Stage.
Start with the child's class teacher. The special educational needs coordinator becomes involved as needed, and parents can contact the school office by email at admin@smca.nottingham.sch.uk.
