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Nursery at St Mary's Catholic Primary School (Maltby)
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Welly Wednesday, Poetry Basket and Dough Disco give the nursery at St Mary's a distinctive daily vocabulary. This is Foundation Stage 1 (FS1), part of Donaldson Class within the school's early years provision on Muglet Lane in Maltby. Nursery children belong to the Superworms keyworker group; Early Starters have their own group, the Tiddlers. The organisation gives younger children a group identity within the shared class.
At the Ofsted inspection of 12 to 14 July 2022, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separate nursery inspection.
Busy boxes help children practise small hand movements and social skills, while a picture register gives them an active part in the routine. Group time brings prayer, an RE song and Poetry Basket before children divide into keyworker groups and learning activities. Snacks and Wake and shake punctuate the morning. Children attending only the morning leave before lunch.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the learning: here, that means work on language, early number skills, physical development and understanding the world through concrete activities. White Rose Maths accompanies counting each day, with nursery maths beginning in the Tiddlers group. Superworms start Read Write Inc in the summer, practising sounds and how to combine them into words in small groups. Library books go home with every child, making shared reading part of family life too.
Welly Wednesday focuses on nature and understanding the world. A spring theme compares Maltby with the Arctic, giving children contrasting places to talk about. Physical learning includes sessions with Rotherham Utd, while Superworms use Squiggle whilst you wiggle and Dough Disco. These activities put movement alongside early learning. After lunch, Superworms, including afternoon attendees, practise listening and attention in a quieter space with fewer children. Afternoon learning also includes stories before collection.
Catholic practice is woven into the day. Children spend 10% of learning time on RE activities, and most take part in afternoon worship. Families should be comfortable with faith having this regular presence.
Keyworker groups provide the structure for care and learning. The Foundation Stage team includes an EYFS lead teacher, a senior early years practitioner and a teaching assistant. In July 2022, adults helped the youngest children become familiar with routines, while early years provision supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children practised sharing, kindness and waiting for their turn: everyday skills that matter in a group setting.
Parents can discuss additional needs with the class teacher or SENDCo. When a teacher thinks extra support would help, a meeting with the family is arranged, giving parents a direct role in that discussion. Children can bring lunch from home or have a purchased school meal. Snacks also form part of the class routine.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; the route here is Rotherham Admissions for F2 entry in September. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
Donaldson Class brings nursery and older early years keyworker groups into the same class structure. That is useful context for understanding the setting, but it does not establish an admissions advantage.
FS1 offers 15-hour and 30-hour places, with paid additional sessions beyond the 15-hour entitlement. Ask the school for current charges. Morning attendance runs from 08:45 to 11:45. Afternoon hours are given as 12:15 to 15:15 and also as 12:20 to 15:20 for F1; agree the afternoon start and collection times when arranging attendance. Nursery collection and drop-off use the double foundation gates.
The school uses one uniform throughout the day: a light blue polo, black bottoms and fully black shoes or trainers, with a navy logo jumper, hoodie or fleece. This accommodates physical activity without a separate change of kit. Visits can be booked, and enquiries go to the school office on 01709 812611 or general@stmarysmaltby.org.
FS1 offers 15-hour and 30-hour places. Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45. Two afternoon timings are given, 12:15 to 15:15 and 12:20 to 15:20, so agree the afternoon arrangements when booking.
EYFS learning includes White Rose Maths, daily counting, nature learning through Welly Wednesday and movement activities. Superworms begin Read Write Inc in the summer.
Yes. Children can bring a packed lunch or have a purchased school meal.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Rotherham Admissions for F2 entry in September.
Contact the school office on 01709 812611 or general@stmarysmaltby.org to arrange a visit. Additional needs can be discussed with the class teacher or SENDCo.
