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Nursery at St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 give this nursery its character. Talk for Writing shapes the early years approach at St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy in Ashby, Scunthorpe, with fiction and factual books providing starting points for learning. The emphasis is on building vocabulary alongside exploration and teaching, so books connect with children's wider learning rather than standing apart from it.
Children can join the nursery from age 3. It belongs to the school's Early Years Unit, within a Catholic academy. At the Ofsted inspection on 8 to 9 May 2024, early years provision received a Good judgement. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines opportunities to explore independently with teaching led by adults. Reading, mathematics and writing run through literature-based topics. The school aims to develop independence, persistence and cooperation through this approach: learning involves relationships and trying things out as well as acquiring knowledge.
Come and See brings Catholic religious education into practical activities. In the Myself topic, children draw self-portraits, practise writing their names and learn classmates' names. Welcome uses role play and The Tiger who came to Tea to explore welcoming others. These are recognisable childhood experiences through which children consider identity and belonging. Advent activities include making wreaths, storytelling and acts of kindness, giving the religious calendar a practical place in their learning.
In May 2024, the early years curriculum was carefully organised, with communication and language receiving substantial attention. Children enjoyed learning and adjusted positively to school expectations. Indoor activity areas supported the planned learning.
Outdoor development. In May 2024, restricted outdoor space and an insufficiently developed learning environment limited opportunities for physical development. This is a material consideration for families who place a high value on room for active play.
Preparation for starting includes a home visit and a transition session at school. Those provide opportunities for the family and staff to meet before attendance begins, while the child becomes familiar with the setting.
SEND support sits within the academy's wider arrangements. The SEND coordinator works with parents, teachers and specialist staff, coordinating individual provision and personalised SEND Support Plans. Half-termly SEND Review Meetings provide a regular point for reviewing support. An Early Help Lead also works with families on needs at home, connecting school support with family circumstances.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through North Lincolnshire Council's Common Application Form; applications on faith grounds also require a Supplementary Information Form returned to the academy.
For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. The nursery choice and the later Reception application therefore need to be treated as separate decisions.
There are 15-hour and 30-hour weekly nursery places, with the 30-hour option subject to parental eligibility criteria. The nursery takes children at the beginning of each term, with three intakes a year. Applications are handled through the Academy Office and Business Manager.
Visits can be arranged by appointment: call 01724 842382 or email admin@stbernadettesacademy.com. Nursery uniform requirements apply. Two Uniform Exchange events each academic year give families access to donated second-hand clothing at no charge.
Children must be 3 years old. There are three intakes each year, at the beginning of each term.
The nursery offers 15-hour and 30-hour places. The 30-hour option is for children whose parents meet the eligibility criteria.
Talk for Writing supports a storytelling approach, with fiction and non-fiction used alongside adult teaching and independent exploration.
No. Reception requires a separate application through North Lincolnshire Council, plus a Supplementary Information Form when applying on faith grounds.
Contact the Academy Office on 01724 842382 or email admin@stbernadettesacademy.com to arrange an appointment.
