St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Stanley: Nursery Review

In February 2024, an indoor climbing frame and a sand timer gave nursery children a practical way to manage turns independently. Nursery provision sits within St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Stanley, on Front Street. It is part of a Catholic primary school, with eligibility beginning in the term after a child's third birthday.

There are three attendance patterns: a morning session, an afternoon session and a longer day for children attending 30 hours each week. That gives families a practical choice between a shorter session and a day spanning morning and afternoon.

In February 2024, children used the sand timer to organise turns on the indoor climbing frame. They managed sharing and waiting successfully. The equipment therefore served two purposes: physical play and a chance to practise managing a shared activity independently. A small routine carried a useful social lesson.

Role play also featured in the early years, with resources that children enjoyed using. Alongside the climbing frame, this gives a picture of play involving both movement and imaginative activity. The February 2024 early-years findings described considerate behaviour between children and courteous manners, making relationships with other children a meaningful part of the learning day.

Session length changes the practical shape of attendance. Morning children attend for three hours, while the 30-hour pattern runs from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Families choosing between them have distinct collection times to fit around their day.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), St Joseph's says it involves parents and carers throughout the support process. The school also connects families with the County Durham Local Offer, covering support beyond school as well as within it. Parental involvement gives families a role in discussing their child's needs.

Communication. In February 2024, a small group of parents across the school wanted more useful communication to help them support learning. This was a school-wide concern, rather than a finding specifically about nursery families. It makes the relevance of information shared with parents an important consideration.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority's online Common Application Form, meeting the closing date set by Durham County Council. Treat that application as a separate step, even when a child already attends nursery here.

Morning attendance is 8:45 am to 11:45 am, amounting to 15 hours per week. Afternoon sessions run from noon to 3:00 pm. Children attending 30 hours per week start at 9:00 am and finish at 3:00 pm; the morning-only pattern therefore starts earlier than the longer day.

The school's term dates differ from Durham County Council's dates, so families should use the school calendar when planning holidays and childcare. Nursery applications can be made after a child's second birthday using the nursery application form. For enquiries, contact 01207 232 624 or stjs@stjs.bwcet.com.