Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Ladybird spots become counting practice, while Three Little Pigs introduces the order of events: Hopscotch, Holy Redeemer’s pre-school provision in Pershore, uses familiar themes to give early learning a concrete starting point. Its place within a Catholic primary school is part of its identity, but the activities themselves bring the focus back to young children and what they can do.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its January 2023 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Stories give learning something children can act out. In May 2024, pre-school children joined in with Three Little Pigs by blowing along with the wolf. Staff used the tale to introduce sequencing: understanding what happens first and what follows. A familiar story therefore became practice in ordering events, rather than simply something to listen to.

The Spring theme that month brought number work into an equally recognisable activity. Children added a specified number of spots to ladybirds and also worked on repeating patterns. These examples connect early mathematical ideas with things children can make and manipulate. Counting has a purpose; patterns become something to try.

Learning attitudes also have a place in early years. In January 2023, children were beginning to understand ways of approaching learning, with fictional characters including exploring elephant and ready rabbit providing examples. Adults acknowledged children’s use of these attitudes. For parents, this adds another dimension to the activities: attention goes to how children tackle learning as well as the task itself.

Holy Redeemer says it welcomes children with differing needs and backgrounds through an inclusive education. A school SEND coordinator provides a contact point on 01386 552518. That gives families a specific role to approach about special educational needs and disabilities.

School-wide safeguarding was effective in January 2023. Adults had regular training, raised concerns promptly and involved outside agencies when necessary. There was also a significant qualification: some records of concerns and subsequent action lacked accuracy, and behaviour incident recording needed attention too. Accurate records matter because they help staff share information and recognise patterns. These were school-wide findings, rather than a nursery-specific assessment of care routines.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.

Applications for Holy Redeemer school places go through Worcestershire’s local authority forms. The local authority coordinates admissions, while the school’s governors act as the admissions authority. For families choosing Hopscotch, the practical distinction is clear: choosing the pre-school and applying for Reception are separate decisions. Keep the Reception application in your plans even if your child already attends the nursery.

The school office handles enquiries about places. Contact it on 01386 552518 or email office@holyredeemer.worcs.sch.uk. Holy Redeemer also welcomes school visits arranged by appointment or through open days, giving prospective families a route to see the school before making their choice.