St Bede's Catholic Primary School Nursery, South Shields

Counting songs, first letter sounds and learning about family give this nursery its character: early learning starts with things a young child can recognise and talk about. St Bede's nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school on Claypath Lane in South Shields. It welcomes children aged 3 years and over, including families of all faiths and beliefs.

There are 15 and 30 hour places, with funded provision subject to eligibility. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 14 and 15 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage combines learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early reading, number work, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, that means development extends beyond letters and counting: relationships, conversation and physical skills are part of learning too.

Reading starts early. In May 2024, nursery children were beginning to connect letters with their sounds, while counting developed through rhymes and songs. Learning about family and familiar people introduced personal history. These give children concrete starting points for talking about numbers, people and the past.

Stories, poetry and factual books feature in early years learning, with vocabulary and understanding central to the school's reading aims. PhonicsPlay games are also used in nursery. Catholic teaching has a practical expression: in October 2024, children explored baptism through a class enactment. This is a nursery where faith forms part of what children learn, alongside its welcome to families with different beliefs.

The staffing structure includes a nursery teacher who also holds Foundation Stage leadership responsibilities, and a nursery nurse with a music responsibility. Nursery therefore sits within the school's early years team.

For children with SEND, the school works with families and professionals including speech and language therapists, health visitors and educational psychologists. Individual education plans and provision maps are reviewed with parents and carers. This gives families a role in agreeing and reviewing their child's support; appointments with the SEND Team can be arranged through the office.

Chadwick's Kitchen is the school's catering service. Ingredients are prepared fresh each day, medical diets are accommodated with parents, and packed lunches are permitted subject to the ban on nuts and products containing them. Before admission, families provide medical, allergy and dietary information, making those care needs part of the school's preparations.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process. South Tyneside Council coordinates Reception admissions, with applications made through its primary admissions portal.

For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 4:30pm on Friday 15 January 2027. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements. Once a school place has been offered, the school arranges induction days and shares guidance about routines and uniform. Those preparations support the move into school; they do not secure admission.

The 15 hour option is flexible provision for eligible children; the 30 hour option provides extended funded hours. For current charges, contact the school.

Nursery enquiries can be made using the online enquiry form, by emailing info@stbedessouthshields.co.uk or by calling 0191 456 0108. School visits can be arranged through the office.

The school uniform includes a light blue polo shirt bearing the logo, grey bottoms or a blue summer dress, and black shoes. Preloved uniform is available through the office, giving families another option when preparing clothing.