Bosco Bears Nursery at St John Bosco, Sunderland

A garden for digging, building and noisy exploration gives Bosco Bears its character: this is an early start to school with room for hands-on play. The nursery has 26 places for children aged 3 to 4 at St John Bosco Catholic Primary School in Town End Farm, Sunderland. Morning and afternoon nursery classes belong to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage unit.

Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 26 and 27 November 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Skilled conversations and close relationships between adults and children were strengths, giving young children support as they began school.

Play and adult guidance share the week. Staff organise experiences around a half-term topic, taking children's interests into account where possible, while children also choose and develop their own play. The nursery aims to build learning from what each child already knows. That gives curiosity a place alongside planned teaching.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early reading and mathematics with physical development, communication, relationships, creativity and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning includes how children talk, move, cooperate and explore, as well as the beginnings of literacy and number work. In November 2024, adults used books and music to engage early years children in stories, and supported learning through precise questions and demonstrations of language and skills.

Outdoors has a distinct purpose. The garden has been redeveloped, and the outdoor area is used throughout the year in most weather. Children can climb, dig, construct and investigate, with space for movement and messier activity than indoors. Catholic learning also forms part of the EYFS: Come and See explores Christian Living, the Church and Sacrament, giving families a clear sense of the nursery's religious context.

Early reading. The November 2024 inspection identified a school-level issue with reading books that did not consistently fit beginners' phonics knowledge. This hindered fluent reading. It is a useful point for parents to keep in mind as their child begins reading books.

Settling begins with contact between home and school. Pre-entry visits to children's homes, meetings with parents and Stay & Play sessions give families opportunities to meet staff and become familiar with school life. Proud Clouds and Learning Logs let parents contribute to learning, while workshops cover mathematics and early literacy. The Foundation Stage leader also teaches nursery, with support staff working across nursery and Reception.

Lunch is an optional charged extra. Chadwick's Kitchen handles school catering, preparing fresh ingredients each day and working with parents on medical diets. Packed lunches are permitted, with nuts and products containing them excluded. Families should contact the school for current lunch charges.

For SEND discussions, parents can arrange an appointment through the office. The school works with families and professionals, including speech and language therapists and educational psychologists, to understand children's needs. Within EYFS, assessments help identify children who may be experiencing developmental delay, so support can respond to their starting points.

Attending Bosco Bears does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Sunderland City Council's admissions portal. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 4:30pm on Friday 15 January. Treat this as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

Transition support is a different matter from admission. Arrangements include meeting the next teacher, spending time in the next classroom and discussions with the SEND coordinator. These experiences help children become familiar with the next stage; they do not secure a place.

The 15-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday, with morning sessions from 8:45am to 11:45am or afternoons from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. A 30-hour option is offered to families who satisfy the eligibility criteria. The shorter sessions give families a clear choice between morning and afternoon attendance.

For nursery enquiries, email office@stjohnboscosunderland.org.uk or call 0191 536 8090. Visits can be arranged through the school office, giving parents an opportunity to discuss nursery attendance and see the learning spaces.