St George and St Martin's Catholic Academy Nursery

Rhyme, stories and Catholic worship shape the nursery experience at St George and St Martin's Catholic Academy in Birches Head, Stoke-on-Trent. This is the school's own nursery, within its Foundation Stage. The nursery has a classroom, cloakroom, toilets and an outdoor play area, giving the youngest children spaces for both learning and everyday care.

Faith has a specific nursery identity: its class saint is The Holy Family, linked to the Catholic Social Teaching principle of Family and Community. For families choosing this provision, religious learning and participation in worship are part of the experience from the start.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early maths, literacy, creativity and exploration of the world. Termly topics connect these areas. Children are encouraged to ask questions, and their curiosity helps shape subsequent teaching, so their interests contribute to what happens next.

Reading begins with listening and speaking. Bug Club Phonics is the school's named programme; nursery children explore environmental sounds and practise rhyme, rhythm and alliteration. These activities prepare them to hear the sounds within words. Daily stories give them another way into language, while classroom reading corners hold fiction and non-fiction books. Parents can join Secret Storyteller sessions to share a favourite book with the class, connecting reading at home with classroom life. Regular Stay and Read sessions also let parents see how phonics and reading are taught, giving them a practical introduction to the approach their child encounters. Progress checks combine daily observations with assessments each term. Children falling behind receive extra phonics sessions linked to the teaching programme, so support addresses gaps in their learning. This makes early reading a point for ongoing discussion between families and staff.

Catholic learning runs alongside the EYFS through Living and Growing as the People of God. Children participate in assemblies, Masses and liturgies, with worship taking place in school and church. The nursery outdoor play area provides a separate setting for play beyond the classroom.

In June 2025, Ofsted found that early-years children developed initial reading skills by listening to stories and practised cooperation through sharing and turn-taking. Those are useful foundations for joining group activities and learning alongside other children.

Children with special educational needs have a Pupil Passport, developed each term by their family and the adults working with them. This gives parents a regular role in planning support. School Cloud handles bookings for SEN appointments and parents' evenings.

Class Dojo sends families classroom messages, achievement updates and notifications. Replies follow a different route: parents telephone or email the school rather than send messages back through the app. That distinction matters when a family needs to raise a concern.

Lunch offers a choice between school food, provided with City Catering through an Eco Menu, and sandwiches from home. Children keep their meal choice for a half term. Healthy snacks such as fruit or toast are permitted, and refillable water bottles help children drink during the day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

The nursery day starts at 8.40am and ends at 3.20pm. Contact the school office on 01782 234384 or email sgsmcp@sgsmnewman.co.uk for enquiries; appointments to visit the school can be arranged.

Lunch arrangements. Nursery meals and lunchtime supervision carry charges, but families entitled to 30 hours of free early-years education do not pay the supervision charge. Ask the school for current charges when planning attendance.

Uniform. Nursery clothing includes burgundy knitted jumpers or cardigans with the school motif, and black shoes. Pre-loved uniform can be obtained through the school, giving families another option when buying clothing.