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Nursery at Our Lady and St Joseph's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, movement and an outdoor approach give this nursery its character. Our Lady and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School has a nursery class with 29 places for children over three, within its Catholic school in Wath-upon-Dearne. Families can use a 15-hour place or, subject to eligibility, a 30-hour pattern.
The school occupies spacious, secluded grounds with open areas suited to Forest School activities. That gives the nursery a school setting shaped by outdoor learning. Catholic practice also forms part of the day: Foundation children use English for the Sign of the Cross, and formal prayers help mark daily routines.
A standard morning runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Both patterns operate Monday to Friday. Eligible families using the extended entitlement can choose five full days, from 8.45am to 3.15pm. These are distinct options for organising the week.
Story work starts in Foundation 1, the nursery stage. Through talk through stories, children listen to the same book repeatedly, learn vocabulary, discuss characters' feelings and practise retelling. They can work on understanding a story before reading its words independently. Each class also has daily adult-led story time, while Foundation children return to familiar poems and nursery rhymes.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the early learning phase. Here, its physical activity follows Development Matters guidance: children practise balancing and twisting alongside jumping, running, catching and throwing. Planned activities use indoor and outdoor environments, giving movement a place in learning each day.
Foundation Stage children also use iPads and interactive whiteboards and are introduced to the ICT suite. Forest School principles shape the wider curriculum's outdoor approach, with language, physical development and teamwork among its aims.
Full-day children can have a school lunch for an optional additional charge or bring a packed lunch. Two snack opportunities are provided each day: morning choices might include toast or rice cakes, with fresh fruit typically offered later. Lunch and snack provision sit among the optional chargeable extras, so funded core sessions and these additions are separate.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school's support process includes parents in an assess, plan, do, review cycle, with progress reviewed termly. Concerns go first to the class teacher; the SEND coordinator can then become involved. Possible resources include communication boards and visual timetables, making needs around communication or daily sequencing part of the support discussion.
Settling support includes a parent meeting about school routines and summer transition days spent with the new teacher. Children needing additional help when changing classes can have a transition plan and extra visits. These arrangements allow preparation to respond to individual needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal admissions process coordinated by Rotherham Local Authority, using the RMBC website or telephone route, and complete the Catholic Primary Additional Information Form.
The governing body determines the admission policy and allocates places against its criteria. Treat transition preparation and the application as separate tasks: summer opportunities to meet a new teacher help children prepare for a change of class, but do not secure admission.
The universal entitlement covers 15 hours; the extended 30-hour entitlement requires eligibility and a valid code. Alternative weekly arrangements can be discussed, subject to capacity and operational needs. Optional educational outings or external workshops may involve charges or voluntary contributions, with support for families in financial need.
Breakfast Club and After-School Club accept nursery children and are separately charged, optional additions outside funded hours. After-School Club runs from 3.15pm to 5.45pm and uses School Gateway for advance bookings. Its activities include crafts, indoor play and outdoor play when weather permits.
Arrange a nursery visit through the office on 01709 760084 or school@olsj.org.uk. Completed nursery application forms can also be emailed to that address. Refer to the school for current charges.
The nursery caters for children over three. Starting dates depend on the eligibility conditions set out in the nursery admissions guidance.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am and afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday. The eligible 30-hour offer uses five full days from 8.45am to 3.15pm.
Yes. For children attending full-day sessions, a packed lunch is an alternative to the optional, separately charged school lunch.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Rotherham Local Authority, plus the Catholic Primary Additional Information Form.
Yes. After-School Club accepts children from nursery upwards, runs from 3.15pm to 5.45pm and requires advance booking through School Gateway. It is charged separately from funded nursery hours.
