Nursery at St Joseph's Catholic Academy, Goldenhill

Catholic life reaches into the youngest children's experience here, with nursery visits to St Joseph's Catholic Church giving faith a concrete place beyond the classroom. The nursery belongs to St Joseph's Catholic Academy in Goldenhill. The school offers Pre School provision starting at two years old.

The school aims to help children develop determination, recover from setbacks and respond to people who need help. Its Catholic identity shapes those aims from the beginning of the Pre School journey, making the religious character a meaningful part of a family's choice.

Songs, rhymes and stories give the early years day a language focus. At the May 2025 inspection, children were responding to these activities in ways that developed communication and language. For parents, the useful emphasis is on learning through listening and responding, rather than treating early learning solely as preparation for written work.

Routine matters too. In May 2025, early years children were learning habits that helped prepare them for their next stage. These everyday patterns sit alongside the language activities: learning how the day works is itself part of becoming ready for what follows.

Visits to St Joseph's Catholic Church extend nursery learning beyond school. They connect the setting's Catholic character with a named local place, giving families a specific example of how that identity enters children's experience.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has a defined structure across the school. Children identified with special educational needs have a Pupil Passport, revisited each term. This gives their support a regular review point rather than leaving an initial plan unchanged.

A special educational needs coordinator oversees provision. Parents can raise concerns with any staff member or contact the coordinator, and a coffee morning each term welcomes all parents. That provides both a direct route for individual questions and a recurring opportunity to talk.

Food is included in the Before and After School Club: children attending in the morning receive breakfast, while afternoon attendance includes a light tea. These meals belong to the club arrangements, so families should distinguish them from the nursery session itself.

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 two separate decisions.

The early years routines described above support children's next steps. That preparation concerns their learning and familiarity with routines; it does not secure admission.

The Before and After School Club accepts registered nursery children and runs during term time each day. Its opening hours are 7.30am to 6.00pm, offering an additional care option around the school day.

Bookings and payment must be made through SCOPay a week ahead. Charges depend on arrival and collection times; contact the school office for current charges and further club details on 01782 235393. Advance booking is therefore part of planning the family's week.

Games, seasonal themes and activities shaped by children's interests form part of club time. For SEND enquiries, families can also use stjoseph@sjnewman.co.uk or speak to staff at the school office.