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Nursery at St Peter'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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Care for birds, planned story trails and caterpillars turning into chrysalises give this nursery its character: practical learning with a Catholic thread. St Peter's Catholic Academy has its own nursery in Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, within a primary school admitting children from age 3+. A purpose-built nursery opened in 1991, giving the youngest children a space created for their stage of school life.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Practical exploration supported children's language, physical skills and emotional development alongside the beginnings of reading and number.
Stories supply the starting point for much of the learning. During the 2025-2026 school year, planned activities based on The Gruffalo included a Forest School trail, character-making and retelling. The Very Hungry Caterpillar accompanied observation of classroom caterpillars as they formed chrysalises. Children could connect a familiar story with something happening in front of them.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, emotional and physical development with early reading and mathematics. Here, those strands meet in planned practical tasks: exploring melting ice using warm water and pipettes, comparing weight on balance scales, and planting beans and sunflower seeds. Forest School plans also included making clay hedgehogs with collected sticks and preparing food for birds. Nursery children have made food holders for birds to put in the outside area, linking care for wildlife with the school's Catholic teaching.
Phonics begins with Phase 1 in the Phonics Bug programme: listening, rhyme, voice sounds and breaking spoken words into sounds. Some children were due to begin Phase 2 work in June 2026, with homework to reflect their learning. Ten Town supports number work in class and gives nursery children individual access at home. In summer 2026, the routine included a Friday school-library visit, providing another connection between classroom stories and books to share with families.
Starting nursery was gradual for the September 2025 intake. Stay and Play sessions came first, with smaller-group attendance continuing the following week. Whole-class attendance was scheduled next, followed by lunch before the move to full-time attendance. Children were later confirmed to be attending full time. The staged plan gave children successive steps to practise.
A SEND support assistant works across Nursery and Reception. Parent consultations provide opportunities to discuss progress and next steps; families of children with special educational needs can meet the class teacher and SENCo more frequently where needed. Homework books and individual Ten Town access also give parents concrete ways to join in with learning.
Lunch begins at 11:15am. Food also appears in learning activities: making and tasting porridge at Forest School was planned for January 2026, and children cooked stir fry while exploring Lunar New Year. These curriculum activities do not describe the daily lunch menu. Summer care reminders included filled water bottles, shade breaks and sunscreen topped up at lunchtime.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Classroom transition is a separate matter. In the week beginning 29 June 2026, nursery children were scheduled to spend Wednesday and Thursday on transition days in Reception. Those planned visits were opportunities to experience the next classroom; they did not secure an admission place.
The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:10pm, Monday to Friday. Children are collected at their exterior classroom doors. Nursery children need a labelled bag for PE kit and appropriate clothes for Forest School.
There are 15-hour funded nursery places, with 30-hour places for eligible parents. Families who do not qualify for 30-hour funding face an additional charge; contact the school for current charges.
For enquiries, telephone the school office on 01782 235040 or email stpeter@stpetersnewman.co.uk. Visits can be arranged through the office, with an opportunity for parents and children to meet the class teacher and look around.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, and families must apply again through the normal Reception process by its deadline.
The school day is 8:30am to 3:10pm, Monday to Friday. Nursery lunch starts at 11:15am.
The September 2025 intake began with Stay and Play sessions and smaller groups. The plan then introduced whole-class attendance and lunch before full-time attendance, which was subsequently confirmed.
There are 15-hour funded nursery places and 30-hour places for eligible parents. An additional charge applies to families who do not qualify for 30-hour funding; contact the school for current charges.
Yes. Contact the school office on 01782 235040 to arrange a visit. Parents and children can meet the class teacher and look around the school.
