Little Saints Nursery at St Mary and St John

Paintbrush control, colour mixing and learning to share give Little Saints a concrete early learning focus. This is the nursery provision at St Mary and St John CofE VA Primary School in North Luffenham. Children can start in the big term preceding their third birthday. The school grounds overlook Rutland's Chater Valley, giving the provision a rural school setting.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 1 and 2 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Small practical skills matter here. In November 2023, nursery children were learning to grip a paintbrush properly and beginning to combine colours. These are tangible examples of early learning: handling a tool with control, experimenting with materials and building skills for the next stage.

The early years foundation stage, or EYFS, takes shape through planned activities and exchanges with adults. In November 2023, children enjoyed the activities, while staff used conversations and other interactions to develop their understanding and skills. Adult involvement therefore mattered alongside the activity itself. Children also practised sharing equipment and working together, with early years learning characterised by calm, purposeful cooperation.

Curriculum precision. The November 2023 findings also highlighted a limitation: although some early learning goals were clearly defined, a few subjects lacked sufficiently precise content. Across the school, pupils' recall over longer periods was inconsistent in some subjects, and opportunities to return to difficult content were insufficient. Inspectors called for teaching to address gaps in knowledge. Families should weigh the concrete examples of teaching alongside these concerns about curriculum detail and remembering learning.

Recognising additional needs early is an important part of support. In November 2023, children needing extra help were identified promptly in Nursery and early years. Staff obtained information to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and additional adults helped pupils access the curriculum. For a family whose child may need support, early identification is a useful starting point.

Checking support. The same November 2023 findings raised a school-level concern about evaluating SEND provision: checks did not consistently establish whether help was having its intended effect. Identification and evaluation are separate questions; both matter when considering support for an individual child.

Attending Little Saints does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process. Rutland County Council handles the coordinated application scheme, with applications made online; the governing body is the school's admission authority.

The normal application timetable begins around October and closes in the middle of January. Treat that application as a separate task from joining the nursery. For applications on religious grounds, a SIF A supplementary form must also be completed alongside the online application and sent directly to the school. That condition matters to families seeking consideration on faith grounds.

Visits to Little Saints can be arranged by calling 01780 720184. This gives families a direct appointment route before applying.

To request a nursery application form, email littlesaints@northluffenham.rutland.sch.uk, then return the completed form to the school office. Nursery enquiries and the later council application for Reception are distinct practical steps.