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Nursery at St Joseph's RC Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 separate baby garden, a room for imaginative play and weekly use of a grassed school play area give St Joseph's Nursery a character beyond its classroom. This is nursery provision within a Catholic primary school in Ross-on-Wye, with play and faith woven into its stated aims. The nursery encourages children to explore, pray and build kind friendships.
The baby room opened in October 2024 for children aged six months to two years, alongside nursery provision for two-, three- and four-year-olds. That creates different starting points for families: infant care includes a dedicated sleep space, while older nursery children begin learning about letters and sounds.
Outdoor learning has concrete jobs attached to it. Children plant, dig and use imaginative play in the nursery's own outdoor areas, with opportunities to practise movement and coordination. A tree-lined grass play area belonging to the school is used weekly. These spaces give children opportunities to explore growing things as well as move about.
For babies, the base room combines toys with a cosy corner. Daily time in the role-play room brings imaginative activity with key workers and other children; a six-seater pram also supports short outings. The under-twos have their own garden, so their outdoor space is separate from that used by older children.
Learning follows the Early Years framework, bringing practical experience into children's early education. Letters and sounds begin in the Nursery class through a sequenced programme. At the inspection on 31 January and 1 February 2024, Ofsted found early-years provision very strong and highlighted the structured start to phonics. For parents, this means play sits alongside deliberate steps towards reading.
A separate, school-wide improvement action concerned curriculum delivery: some subject content was being missed because teaching did not fully follow the intended sequence. That concern was not identified specifically as a nursery weakness.
Lunch for babies takes place in the hall alongside other nursery children. Naps have a separate sleep room, giving rest its own space rather than combining it with the playroom. Morning and afternoon nursery sessions include a snack; the longer after-nursery option includes snack or tea.
Parents receive information about learning through Evidence Me and termly meetings with teachers. These offer both updates and opportunities to contribute ideas. For children needing additional support, the school's SEND process brings together the class teacher, SEND coordinator and parents to plan help, then reviews its effect at least termly.
Physical access includes a ramp and an accessible toilet, with wheelchair access across the school. Families can arrange a discussion with the SEND coordinator through the office, providing a direct route to talk through learning or access concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Herefordshire Council and return the school's Supplementary Information Form to the office. Families living outside Herefordshire apply through their home local authority.
Preparation is a different matter from allocation. Children can spend time in their future classroom before starting full time, while summer meetings and coffee afternoons give parents opportunities to meet staff. Induction booklets also support the move. These help families prepare for school; they do not secure admission.
Monday-to-Friday choices include a morning session from 9am to noon, an afternoon from noon to 3pm, or School Day Nursery from 9am to 3pm. Breakfast Club runs from 7.45am to 9am. After Nursery Care starts at 3pm, with finishes at 4.30pm or 5.45pm, allowing families to choose an earlier collection or a longer day.
The nursery describes a funded offer of 15 hours after a child's third birthday, with 30 hours for some eligible children. Contact the school for current charges. Visits and registration can be arranged by calling 01989 564655 or emailing admin@st-josephs.hereford.sch.uk.
The baby room caters for children aged six months to two years. Nursery provision also covers two-, three- and four-year-olds.
Yes. The morning session runs from 9am to noon and includes a snack. Afternoon and school-day options are also offered.
The nursery has outdoor play areas for planting, digging, imaginative play and movement. Children also use the school's tree-lined grass play area weekly, and under-twos have a separate garden.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Herefordshire Council, or your home local authority if you live elsewhere, plus the school's Supplementary Information Form.
Call 01989 564655 or email admin@st-josephs.hereford.sch.uk to arrange a visit and discuss registration.
