St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School Nursery

Stories, cooking and pond-side experiences give this nursery's early-years curriculum its character. At St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School in Coalpool, children join the nursery class in September after turning three. It belongs to the school's early-years department, with a nursery teacher, teaching assistant and lunchtime supervisor forming the classroom team.

The practical choice is between shorter sessions and a full day. Full-day places are offered to families receiving 30 hours funding. That gives eligible parents a longer attendance option while keeping children within the school's nursery provision.

Child-chosen activity sits alongside teaching directed by adults, guided groups and structured lessons. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and relationships with early literacy, maths, creativity and exploration of the world. Children have practical learning opportunities outdoors as well as indoors. The balance gives them room to pursue an interest and time to learn with an adult.

Books punctuate the day. The EYFS programme includes at least three daily storytimes, with reading books going home twice weekly and an additional story for shared enjoyment. Conversation is a deliberate part of learning throughout the day. In nursery, preparation for reading begins with activities that develop awareness of sounds; mark-making and letter formation use the Letter-join handwriting scheme. Dough Disco and finger gym also begin within EYFS, adding practical hand activities to this early writing work.

Food becomes something to investigate and make. Children prepare dishes including soup, sandwiches and pancakes, taste foods and describe their flavours. Planting vegetable seeds connects what they eat with how it grows. These are concrete opportunities to practise using tools, talk about sensations and explore change.

The school pond supplies another learning setting: the EYFS programme includes feeding ducks and a teddy bears picnic nearby. A fairy trail and posting a letter at the local Post Office extend that exploration. Seasonal celebrations include Diwali and Christmas, while the nativity gives children a speaking part before an audience. Learning reaches beyond tabletop tasks.

Familiarity is part of the early-years welcome. Children take a tour of the school, learn its layout and have opportunities to speak with staff. Helping hands responsibilities give them jobs to take on. Parent workshops cover reading, fine motor skills and religious education, linking classroom activities with things families can do together at home.

Care skills are taught through everyday actions: using cutlery, washing hands and learning about dental hygiene. The EYFS wellbeing programme also addresses emotions, friendships and children's understanding of themselves, giving feelings and relationships a place in the curriculum.

For additional needs, the school's support process involves parents, the class teacher and the special educational needs coordinator. Individual target plans guide support, followed by review; specialist agencies can become involved if concerns continue. Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Psychology are among the services listed, with parental permission sought for their involvement. Wheelchair ramps provide access around the school building.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Walsall's online school admissions process. The school also requires a Supplementary Information Form returned directly to it; for a baptised Catholic child, a baptismal certificate must accompany that form so the application receives the appropriate priority.

Preparation for the next stage is a separate matter. Towards the academic year's end, parents of children due to start Reception attend an induction meeting covering school expectations, with time for questions. This helps families prepare for the change; it does not secure admission.

The morning session runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, and the afternoon session finishes at 3.30pm. The full-day option for families receiving 30 hours funding runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm. Nursery collection takes place at its own entrance or designated gate.

To apply for nursery, collect an application form from the school. General enquiries go to the office on 01922 720712 or postbox@st-thomas.walsall.sch.uk. The school is on Dartmouth Avenue, Coalpool, Walsall.