Little Acorns Nursery at St Gregory's Catholic Academy

Songs, stories and learning to help a friend give Little Acorns Nursery its character. This is the nursery within St Gregory's Catholic Academy on Ragpath Lane in Roseworth, Stockton-on-Tees, part of a Catholic primary school. Its emphasis is on the foundations children need: communication, physical development and learning alongside others.

Ofsted's June 2026 inspection judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language develops through familiar activities. Adults bring together stories, singing and rhymes, then use their conversations with children to extend vocabulary. Children have support to develop both what they can say and how they communicate. These are practical foundations for joining in and making themselves understood.

Within the early years foundation stage, learning includes physical skills and social development alongside language. Indoor and outdoor provision supports children's physical development. Nursery children also learn to play cooperatively and offer one another help, giving social skills a place in the day alongside adult interaction.

Predictable routines provide the structure. In June 2026, children understood the expectations for behaviour from early years onwards, and nursery children settled into their day readily. For a child beginning group education, knowing what happens next helps make participation feel manageable.

Familiar routines are central to settling. Staff understand individual children and give them effective support; the June 2026 early years findings linked the nursery's quick settling to routines that helped children feel secure and content. Adults also involve parents and carers in their children's learning, keeping the relationship between home and nursery part of their work.

Additional needs receive prompt attention. Across early years, children with special educational needs and disabilities, and disadvantaged children, receive timely assistance from staff and external agencies when required. The SENCO coordinates SEND provision, and parents are informed when special educational support is introduced. Children receiving that support participate in activities with their peers.

The school's support process follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review: establish the need, agree support with parents, put it into practice and check its effect. For families whose children receive SEND support, this makes reviewing progress part of the arrangement. Meetings with parents take place three times per academic year to discuss progress, outcomes and support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer admissions priority. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the Common Application Form. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Treat that application as a separate task even if your child already attends Little Acorns.

For children with SEND, teachers share information before a change of class. Enhanced transition support can be arranged where needed, and a familiar adult may accompany a child briefly. That support addresses the change of setting and routine; it does not alter admissions entitlement.

Enquiries can be made through the school office on 01642 672262 or by email to enquiries@stgregorys.bhcet.org.uk. The nursery is part of the school at Ragpath Lane, Roseworth, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 9AD.