Saint Joseph's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Little Joeys gives two-year-olds a starting point within Saint Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Loftus. This is nursery provision within a Catholic primary school on Rosecroft Lane, rather than a separate setting. Its character comes through in the attention given to young children's language and early learning: talking, listening and practising the first steps towards literacy and numeracy are central features of the early years provision.

Communication is a clear focus. At the November 2024 inspection, staff supported children's language development effectively and listened to what they had to say. For parents, that places conversation alongside early learning, with adults helping children develop the skills to express themselves.

Children in the early years practised early number and literacy skills and took an enthusiastic part in learning activities. Leaders had considered the learning needs of the youngest children, including those attending Little Joeys. The emphasis was on deciding what children should learn and the reasons for teaching it, giving the two-year-old provision a place within the school's early education.

Physical development also supported the beginnings of writing in the early years. Phonics started at this stage too. These are distinct strands of early learning: developing physical readiness for writing while beginning to connect sounds with reading.

Care was a strength of the early years provision in November 2024. Ofsted found that the support and care given to these children were excellent. The attention to communication provides a concrete example: adults listened to children while helping their language develop, linking the care they received with their ability to take part in learning.

For families considering special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the wider Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust provides routes to advice. SENDIASS offers parents and carers impartial advice free of charge, and the trust directs families towards the Middlesbrough/Redcar & Cleveland service. Another resource, Let's Make Sense Together, provides videos and advice sheets about sensory processing differences. These give families practical information to support conversations about their child's needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Saint Joseph's. Families must make a separate application through the admissions team for the local authority where they live, using its Common Application Form. They must also complete the Supplementary Information Form for the school. Both steps matter.

Applications need to meet the local authority's closing date. Responsibility for completing the forms and supplying the supporting evidence rests with parents or carers; reminders are not sent. Failure to supply the Supplementary Information Form can affect the admissions category used for an application. Families should therefore treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions, even when they hope their child will remain at the same school.

Part-time provision for two-year-olds was operating in November 2024. The school office is the enquiry route, on 01287 640613, and the address is Rosecroft Lane, Loftus, TS13 4PZ. Contact the office to begin a nursery enquiry; Reception applications follow the separate local authority process described above.