St Marie's School Nursery Review

Role play, messy clothes and outdoor learning shape the preschool at St Marie's, with prayer woven into the day. Opened in September 2025, it serves children aged 3–4 in the year before Reception, within a Catholic school on Fulwood Road, Sheffield. The 2025/2026 nursery allocation was 26 places.

Children of all faiths are welcome. Families should be comfortable with children praying together and receiving classroom visits from parish priests: Catholic identity is part of the experience, rather than simply the school's background.

Play provides the starting point. Children move between spaces for construction, imaginative role play, creative activities and quieter time, alongside sessions in smaller groups covering early phonics, maths and fine motor skills. That gives the day both opportunities to choose an activity and time to learn with an adult.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for learning. Here, it means exploration and play alongside activities suited to children's development. The preschool aims to build communication, independence and social skills as well as early literacy and numeracy, so preparation for school extends beyond letters and numbers.

Outdoor learning has a substantial place in the routine. The outdoor area is used across the seasons, with stories, singing and organised activities balancing children's free play. Wellies, waterproof trousers and a coat belong in the daily kit. This is a practical choice for families who want outdoor activity to remain part of their child's day as the weather changes.

Snack time brings conversation into the routine, while stories and prayer help bring sessions to a close. Simple religious stories, songs and Christian festivals introduce faith through experiences young children can understand.

Welcome activities help children settle at the start of the day. Staff hold relevant teaching or childcare qualifications, with continuing training covering early years development, safeguarding and paediatric first aid. Every team member has an enhanced DBS check, and daily risk assessments form part of the safety arrangements.

Parents can speak with staff when bringing or collecting their child. Teams carries photographs, milestones and progress updates; observations and regular reviews track development. Emails and weekly newsletters provide further contact, giving families several ways to follow their child's experience.

Packed lunches are needed each day and must contain no nuts. Snacks and water are supplied during sessions, and children also need a named, filled water bottle. Staff work with parents on dietary requirements and allergies. Send spare clothes, including underwear; nappies or pull-ups, if needed, should come in a named bag.

For children with additional needs, the SENCO works with parents and relevant agencies. Activities and resources are adapted, and external professionals can contribute to support. Positive behaviour is encouraged through praise, consistent boundaries and cooperation with families.

A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at St Marie's. Families must make a separate application through Sheffield City Council, using its online route or paper Common Application Form.

The application must reach the council by the relevant deadline, described as usually December/January. A Supplementary Information Form, with original supporting certificates, must also reach the school before the application deadline so the child's religion can be considered correctly. Keep both steps in your calendar: attending preschool does not replace either application requirement.

The preschool operates Monday to Friday during school terms and closes for holidays. Choose a full day from 9am to 3pm, a morning from 9am to noon, or an afternoon from noon to 3pm. Attendance options cover 15 or 30 hours, and funded places are accepted for eligible children aged 3–4.

Additional hours are charged hourly and billed each half-term. Breakfast club starts at 7:30am, while Kids Kabin offers after-school care until 6pm, subject to availability. Kids Kabin runs in the school hall during term time and requires children to be toilet trained. Ask the school for current charges when planning extended care.

There is no formal preschool uniform. Clothes should allow easy movement and tolerate messy play. For enquiries, email enquiries@st-maries.sheffield.sch.uk; the office also arranges short tours during term time. Applications can be made through online registration or a paper form collected from the main office, with places subject to availability.