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Nursery at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Serving snacks, tidying to a timer and learning to handle tools: independence took a practical form in the early years at St Joseph's during the April and May 2024 inspection. The nursery belongs to the Roman Catholic primary school on Wellington Road in Todmorden. Those observations combined small responsibilities with songs, early mathematics and outdoor exploration.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good following visits on 23 and 24 April 2024 and 16 May 2024. That judgement covers the early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. There is a clear curriculum reservation alongside the positive findings.
During the April and May 2024 inspection, familiar rhymes and songs helped children develop language, and adults supported early number and mathematics effectively. Children also took responsibility for helping with snacks and used timers when clearing away. These are everyday opportunities to practise doing things for themselves.
Forest School adds practical exploration. During the same inspection period, early years children regularly worked with hand tools outdoors, developing their knowledge of the world through direct experience. The school has a woodland area: a Community Forest School event for children due to start school in September 2026 included weaving, printing with leaves and mud, and gathering leaves. Those were activities at a family event, rather than a nursery timetable.
Indoors, an EYFS Stay & Play session on 23 October 2025 involved construction, painting and play in different classroom areas. The school aims to use natural resources across indoor and outdoor spaces to prompt curiosity, questions and conversation.
Curriculum precision. In April and May 2024, some early years activities lacked sufficiently clear learning goals and vocabulary. This limited the understanding and skills children could develop. Sharper planning across all learning areas was required.
In April and May 2024, early years relationships between adults and children were warm and supportive. Helping serve snacks also connected care routines with independence: children had a part to play in the group rather than simply receiving adult help.
Stay & Play gave families an opportunity to explore the classroom and meet staff alongside their children. It offers a concrete introduction to the surroundings and people, although the October 2025 event should be understood as a past session.
For additional needs, families can arrange a SENCO appointment through the school office or the SEND appointment link. Calderdale SENDIASS and SOS!SEN provide independent advice routes. This gives parents ways to discuss their child's needs and seek support beyond school.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through Calderdale's admissions service and meet the deadline for their application year. Treat this as a distinct step when planning your child's next stage, rather than assuming their nursery place will carry over.
Contact the school office on 01706 812948 or email admin@stjosephs.romerocat.com for enquiries. The school also invites families to contact it about Stay & Play and other open sessions. These offer an opportunity to meet staff and see the early years classroom with your child.
No. A separate online Reception application is required through Calderdale's admissions service.
Early years provision was graded Good following the inspection visits in April and May 2024. This was part of the school's inspection, not a separate nursery rating.
In April and May 2024, children used hand tools during regular Forest School sessions to develop their understanding of the world.
Arrange a SENCO appointment through the school office or the SEND appointment link. Independent advice is also available through Calderdale SENDIASS and SOS!SEN.
Telephone 01706 812948 or email admin@stjosephs.romerocat.com.
