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Nursery at St Columba's Catholic Primary School, Wallsend
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School in the school’s natural grounds gives this nursery a clear outdoor identity. Alongside it, children have individual adult support and time for free play, making room for both guided learning and their own interests.
St Columba’s nursery caters for children aged 3 to 4 within the Catholic primary school on Station Road, Wallsend. There are up to 26 nursery places. Families can take a 15-hour place, with 30-hour provision available to those meeting the eligibility criteria. The school says it welcomes families of every faith and background, while expecting parents to support its Catholic ethos.
Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework, with the school aiming to develop children’s thinking, language, physical skills and emotional development. Adult-led activities sit alongside uninterrupted play chosen by children, so a session includes both direction and scope to pursue an interest. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is the named phonics programme, with phonics beginning in Nursery/Reception.
Indoor and outdoor learning spaces give children places to explore. Forest School takes place in the school’s own natural grounds, supported by a qualified Forest School leader. This brings practical exploration into the nursery’s learning environment.
A January 2022 example shows how stories and outdoor activity can connect: children used The Three Little Pigs as the starting point for building stick houses and making bird feeders from Cheerios and pipe cleaners. It gave a familiar story a practical dimension. In April 2025, Ofsted found that early-years adults understood individual development and planned activities that helped children work together, investigate and use their learning, supporting growing independence and confidence.
From the first day, structured play and children’s interests are used to help relationships develop. The nursery emphasises predictable routines and relationships with families. SeeSaw gives parents access to early-years learning journals, with opportunities to comment, contact the class teacher and share photographs or videos from home. That keeps communication connected to what a child is doing.
Food arrangements are straightforward. Daily milk comes through Cool Milk, while the Fruit & Vegetable Scheme supplies fruit or vegetables, all free. Parents can provide an alternative milk for a child with a dairy allergy, and children should bring a water bottle. For 30-hour places, families may choose a packed lunch or a charged school meal; the meal is outside the funded entitlement.
Children with SEND are included in the nursery’s stated aim of equal opportunity. Links with outside agencies support this, and the school has a SEND coordinator. Safeguarding concerns are recorded through CPOMS, and staff receive regular training. Parents should raise concerns promptly with a member of staff.
A nursery place does not guarantee admission to St Columba’s Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through North Tyneside Council School Admissions and meet the normal application deadline. Allocation follows the school’s admission criteria, so choosing this nursery should remain a decision about the nursery experience itself.
Morning places run from 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday to Friday, providing 15 hours each week. Eligible families taking 30-hour places attend from 9:00am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Nursery applications go directly to the school; request an application form through the office. Visits can also be arranged by telephone on 0191 262 3098.
Optional wraparound care extends the day. Breakfast Club starts at 7:30am; After School Club has a short session ending at 4:30pm and a longer one ending at 5:45pm, both starting at 3:30pm. Book through Arbor in advance and contact the school for current charges.
Nursery children wear school uniform, but embroidered logos are optional. Redevelopment. A school rebuild was planned to begin in autumn 2026, subject to planning permission, with Forest School retained in the proposals. Families should treat the proposed classrooms and play areas as future plans when considering the setting.
Children aged 3 to 4, with up to 26 nursery places.
The 15-hour option runs from 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday to Friday. Eligible families can take a 30-hour place, attending from 9:00am to 3:30pm on those days.
School meals are charged separately from the funded entitlement. A home-packed lunch is an alternative. Daily milk and fruit or vegetables are free.
No. Reception requires a separate application through North Tyneside Council School Admissions and follows the school’s admission criteria.
SeeSaw provides access to early-years learning journals. Parents can comment, communicate with the class teacher and share photographs or videos from home.
