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Nursery at St John's Church School, Spirit Federation
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and early reading give this nursery its character. Part of St John's Church School in Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, it combines learning indoors and outside with an early years curriculum shaped by Christian values. The school assumed responsibility for the nursery in September 2022, bringing it within the school's provision.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children learn through play, with adults guiding some experiences and children choosing others. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework connects learning about relationships, communication and movement with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond practising letters and numbers: playing and talking with other children also have a purpose.
Stories, songs and rhymes sit alongside outdoor exploration. Both the indoor and outdoor environments are used for learning, giving children opportunities to pursue interests in different spaces. Adults support vocabulary through conversation, questions and role-play, helping children develop the language to explain ideas and join in.
Early reading has a defined place. In June 2023, inspectors found that children followed a structured phonics programme from Nursery onwards, giving children an introduction to the sounds used in reading. The school's EYFS approach names Read, Write Inc. Phonics, while its play curriculum balances adult guidance with children's own exploration.
Curriculum sequencing. In June 2023, the early years curriculum needed clearer decisions about what children should learn and when, across Nursery and Reception. This matters because enjoyable activities need to build knowledge in a deliberate sequence as children progress.
Familiar adults and predictable routines support children's confidence. The urgent inspection on 19 June 2025 followed concerns about early years statutory responsibilities and leadership and management, including governance. Ofsted found effective safeguarding and described positive early years play interactions and routines that helped children settle. Children enjoyed planned activities and engaged positively with staff.
By June 2025, early years staff had training covering welfare, supervision and record keeping. Leaders checked practice closely, and staff understood children's individual needs. These are practical foundations for care throughout a session.
Tapestry provides an online record of early years learning, with updates each week and individual learning journals celebrating milestones. This gives families a regular view of what their child has been doing. For additional needs, the school's SEND team works with parents, teaching staff and external professionals, connecting family knowledge with support planning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority route and meet the deadline for their child's admission year. The school's governing body sets its admission arrangements, while applications are managed through the local authority. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
The school office handles enquiries on 01733 237543 or office@stjohnschurchschool.net. Telephone enquiries are taken between 8.30am and 3.30pm. The school is on Riseholme in Orton Goldhay.
Collections outside setting hours are handled through the main school office, a procedure recorded in June 2025. This gives families a clear collection point when collecting outside the usual session.
No. Families need to apply separately through the local authority route and meet the deadline for the relevant admission year.
Children explore indoors and outdoors, with stories, rhymes, songs and role-play alongside adult guidance and experiences they choose themselves.
The early years provision uses Tapestry, an online learning journal updated each week, alongside individual learning journals.
The school's early years provision was graded Good in June 2023. The curriculum also needed more precise planning of what children should learn across Nursery and Reception.
Call 01733 237543 between 8.30am and 3.30pm, or email office@stjohnschurchschool.net.
