The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Our Lady's Catholic Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Listening games, rhyme and conversation give this nursery its character. At Our Lady's Catholic Academy in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, language development runs through both planned activities and everyday exchanges with adults. The nursery class forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage provision, within a Catholic education that the school aims to shape through Gospel values.
Children aged three were eligible for the September 2026 intake if they reached that age by 31 August 2026. Early years received a Strong standard judgement in the Ofsted report dated 6 January 2026. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Daily Phase 1 phonics starts with ears and voices. Children distinguish sounds around them, explore sounds made by instruments and their bodies, and practise rhyme and rhythm. They also work on alliteration and separating or joining spoken sounds. These activities develop attentive listening, vocabulary and confidence in speaking to adults and other children: useful foundations before reading words independently.
The Early Years Foundation Stage framework connects learning with care. Communication, movement and social and emotional development sit alongside early maths, literacy, creative expression and discovering how the world works. For parents, this means the curriculum addresses how children interact and develop physically as well as what they begin to know.
In January 2026, adults supported language by demonstrating accurate speech and adding new vocabulary through songs, stories and conversation. French sessions also formed part of early years learning, supporting communication and independence. Teaching built from children's existing understanding, with early reading, writing and number knowledge receiving attention. Nursery provision also developed children's ability to manage feelings and relationships, preparing them for their next stage.
A nursery class teacher works within an early years team that includes practitioners and a phase leader. There is also an Early Years Mental Health First Aider. These roles give the provision a teaching structure alongside staff with a specific wellbeing responsibility.
By January 2026, early years staff understood children's individual needs and adjusted activities for children facing additional barriers. Parents were involved in learning through relationships established early with the team. For a child who needs extra help, the important feature is that activities are adapted around their starting point. Families can arrange a conversation with the SEND team through the school office; its structure includes a SENDCo and assistant SENDCo roles.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's intake. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is the admissions route signposted by the school, and the school office also handles application enquiries. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Nursery lunch is timetabled from 11.30am to 12.15pm. This gives the day a defined meal break between learning periods.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01782 254832 or email office@olca.org.uk. Visits can be arranged by telephone appointment, giving families a direct way to meet the school before deciding.
It follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, combining communication, physical and social development with literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world.
Daily Phase 1 activities include listening to environmental and instrumental sounds, body percussion, rhyme, alliteration and working with spoken sounds.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process.
Contact the school office to arrange an appointment with the SEND team. Early years activities are adapted for children facing additional barriers.
Call 01782 254832 to make an appointment.
