St John's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

A shared early-years class gives St John's nursery its school-based character: nursery children belong to Class 1 alongside Reception children, with a class teacher and a nursery nurse/HLTA in the team. The provision takes three- and four-year-olds at St John's Catholic Primary School in Great Haywood. It runs five days a week during term time, with morning or afternoon sessions and optional care before and after school.

The June 2026 Ofsted report judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school's early-years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Personal and social development were strengths, while adult support for language, thinking and early writing needed greater consistency.

Children's interests help shape learning. St John's describes its approach as pupil centred, using meaningful contexts and recognising children's differences. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and care together for children up to five. Here, that means attention to social development alongside the beginnings of reading and mathematics.

In June 2026, phonics teaching was effective across early years, and children were developing their first reading and mathematical skills. Most maintained their attention when activities had sufficient structure. Clear routines helped them understand expectations, giving the learning day a predictable shape.

Class 1's Reading Suitcase extends stories into family life: it goes home each week for families to share a book and discuss it. Early Years children have also taken part in a Reading Café, sharing books with relatives or older children. These are concrete ways for parents to join in with reading.

Language and writing. Adult conversations did not consistently stretch children's vocabulary or thinking in June 2026. Reminders about early writing habits, including posture, were also inconsistent. For families, these are specific aspects of teaching to weigh alongside the strengths in social development and early reading.

Settling benefits from familiar routines and positive relationships. In June 2026, early-years children felt secure and became comfortable with school life quickly. Staff helped children with additional needs join learning with their peers, so support took place within the shared early-years experience.

For SEND concerns, parents start with the class teacher, with the SENCO involved as needed. The school and nursery use a graduated process to identify barriers, plan support and review it, working with parents and outside agencies. This gives families a route into discussing their child's needs.

Food is part of the optional wraparound sessions: breakfast is provided in the morning and a snack after school. Parents may send extra food for children remaining until 5:30pm. The club uses the school hall, with afternoon activities also moving to the playground when weather allows. Games and craft activities give the extended day its own rhythm.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Staffordshire County Council, which allocates Reception places. Keep that application separate from any nursery booking.

For the 2026 Reception intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed; families applying for a later intake should follow the council's timetable for their child's entry year. Sharing Class 1 with Reception children is part of the nursery's everyday organisation, not an admissions entitlement.

Nursery applications go directly to the school, with entry possible from the term following a child's third birthday. Families can arrange a stay and play session through the office. This offers a chance for the child to try a nursery session before the family makes its decision.

Provision for 15 or 30 hours is offered, subject to eligibility checked with the school office. Optional wraparound care starts at 7:30am and finishes at 5:30pm. Club places require advance booking and a completed registration form; short-notice care depends on staffing and cannot be guaranteed. Ask the school for current charges.

For the club, drop-off and collection use the hall's side entrance. Children leave with an authorised adult and must be signed out. Nursery enquiries and visit arrangements go through the office on 01889 343106 or office@st-johns-greathaywood.staffs.sch.uk.