The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at English Martyrs' 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A story about a gingerbread man can become a shopping expedition here. Children’s interests shape the nursery’s planning in the moment approach, with adults extending learning through play rather than relying solely on predetermined activities.
This term-time nursery belongs to English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School on Dee Road, Reading. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with capacity limited to 26 children per session. The school grounds sit beside Lousehill Copse Nature Reserve.
Planning in the moment means adults join children’s chosen activities, notice opportunities to introduce something new and record how learning develops. The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum covers seven areas of learning and development; nursery planning considers what children need to learn, how they will practise and how play can build on their existing understanding.
The Gingerbread Man provides a concrete example. If the story sparks an interest in baking, children may help organise a local shopping trip, prepare a list, purchase ingredients and make something to share. Reading, practical decisions and handling money become connected experiences. Local outings can develop from children’s interests.
Outdoor learning is encouraged, and the nursery’s permissions cover forest activities, fire pit experiences and bus journeys to the local shop. Risk assessments and adult-to-child ratios apply to outings. Wellies and warm clothing support outdoor participation in winter.
The curriculum overview also includes listening for starting sounds, matching objects by sound and orally combining sounds into words. In January 2024, nursery children showed confidence in counting and number work, and early-years classroom practice supported children’s enthusiasm for exploring new learning. Early reading consistency. The same inspection identified uneven delivery of the school’s phonics programme and required more consistent teaching across phases. That is a useful focus for conversations about early reading.
Tapestry connects nursery learning with home. Each early-years child has an online journal containing photographs, observations and comments; parents receive email alerts and can contribute their own examples of learning. Families can discuss experiences together, while staff gain a fuller picture of children’s interests. Printouts can be requested by parents who do not use email.
In January 2024, children’s special educational needs and disabilities were recognised and supported from the outset in early years. The school’s inclusion policy gives the SENCo responsibility for coordinating SEND provision and keeping parents informed, alongside support from the Family Worker. Parents can contact senco@englishmartyrs.reading.sch.uk directly about additional needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using its Common Application Form, by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027. The 2027/28 admission arrangements give no priority for nursery attendance: applications are ranked through the school’s oversubscription criteria, with sibling attendance increasing priority within each category. A Supplementary Information Form supports applications under the relevant categories and goes to the school office by the same deadline. Familiarity with the school should therefore be treated separately from securing admission.
The funded 15-hour pattern consists of weekday mornings, 8:30am to 11:30am, or weekday afternoons, noon to 3pm. Families rank their preference between these patterns. For children entitled to funded 30 hours, the core offer runs Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3pm, totalling 32.5 hours; the additional 2.5 hours are charged. Contact the school for current charges.
Wraparound availability. Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am to 8:30am and Afterschool Club from 3pm to 6pm, with limited places and separate charges. Families should indicate their requirements on the nursery form.
Nursery applications use the school’s own form, returned to its office. Enquiries go to admin@englishmartyrs.reading.sch.uk or 0118 937 5466; prospective families can also arrange a visit through the school.
Recommended clothing includes a white polo shirt, red sweatshirt and comfortable grey or navy bottoms. Shoes should enclose the foot and, where possible, have fastenings children can manage themselves. A painting apron is recommended too.
Children may join in the term after their third birthday. The nursery has up to 26 places per session.
The 15-hour options are weekday mornings, 8:30am to 11:30am, or afternoons, noon to 3pm. The offer for children entitled to funded 30 hours runs from 8:30am to 3pm on weekdays, with the additional time charged.
Yes. Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am to 8:30am and Afterschool Club from 3pm to 6pm. Places are limited and charges apply.
Tapestry provides photographs, observations and comments, with email notifications for new entries. Parents can add their own observations; printouts can be requested by families without email access.
No. The 2027/28 arrangements do not include nursery attendance as a priority criterion, and attendance does not guarantee admission. Families apply separately through their home local authority; the deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
