Acorn Nursery at St Aloysius' Catholic Primary School

Rhymes, songs and the words children learn through them give Acorn Nursery its clearest educational thread. This is the nursery within St Aloysius' Catholic Primary School in Oxford, with children generally joining in the term following their third birthday. It puts their first school experience within the primary school itself.

In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years across the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Language development, early literacy and relationships with adults are the main strengths described for this stage.

Language gets deliberate attention. Across early years, adults introduce vocabulary through memorable songs and rhymes, giving children repeated opportunities to hear and use new words. The March 2026 findings describe effective interactions between staff and children. For parents, the useful distinction is that conversation is part of the teaching, rather than simply something that happens around it.

Reading teaching starts when children join the school. Early years staff receive training in the school's phonics programme, and children have opportunities to practise reading and writing across their learning. Support helps children keep pace with their peers. These are findings about the early years provision as a whole, rather than a nursery-only timetable.

Learning steps. In March 2026, leaders were still making the smaller stages of learning more precise. The purpose is to help staff spot missing knowledge sooner and respond more effectively. This is the key qualification to the positive picture of early teaching.

Relationships provide a practical source of reassurance. The March 2026 early years findings describe children turning to adults with worries or problems they cannot solve themselves. Staff respond with sensitivity to individual needs, helping children develop a sense of safety and belonging.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, early years learning includes purposeful activities. Staff and families work together to recognise obstacles to learning promptly, including for children who arrive partway through the year. That gives parent communication a clear purpose: understanding what might prevent a child from taking part.

Nursery teaching is shared between two teachers, with one covering Monday to Wednesday and the other Thursday and Friday. School meals are offered by the primary school, and the office handles questions about meals and allergies.

Attending Acorn Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Oxfordshire County Council. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as two decisions, each requiring its own action.

Acorn Nursery's hours run from 8.45am until 3.15pm. These are the nursery's own hours, so families can plan around its start and finish.

The school handles nursery applications directly. Subject to space, children can join during the year. Send the completed application to office.3842@st-aloysius.oxon.sch.uk or to 143 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 7PH. Prospective families can arrange a school visit by email or by calling 01865 311056; autumn open days and alternative visit dates are offered.