St Alban's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Dough Disco, daily toothbrushing and a photograph tree give St Alban's nursery morning its own character. This is the nursery class at St Alban's Catholic Primary School in Bewsey, Warrington, where the school's age range starts at three. The nursery runs a three-hour morning session, making an early collection a central consideration for families.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 16 and 17 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Small acts of independence begin the session: children put their refreshments on a trolley, hang up their coats and use their photographs to register on a tree. They then choose an activity within the learning environment. These physical features give children concrete tasks to manage before the group activities begin.

The EYFS, or Early Years Foundation Stage, takes shape through play, language, movement and number activities. Little Wandle Foundations for Phonics brings together poems, stories, action rhymes and listening activities, including oral blending. Adults lead some experiences; children direct others. The emphasis is on practising attention and language before later reading instruction.

Group phonics is followed by dancing and singing linked to the week's theme. Children then brush their teeth and return to play or an activity with the teacher. Dough Disco follows, using dough to exercise hand muscles. There is a clear rhythm of choosing, gathering and moving.

After snack, number activities and more singing lead into outdoor play. A farewell song closes the morning. Drawing also has a place in the curriculum for three- and four-year-olds: children work towards adding detail to faces and expressing feelings in pictures. Catholic religious education begins in nursery through To Know You More Clearly, so faith forms part of the learning from the outset.

In May 2023, children in early years settled promptly and learned familiar routines, including listening to adults. For a child beginning group provision, that gives the daily sequence practical importance alongside the learning activities.

Snack is a shared pause in the morning. Children bring a snack and drink, wash before eating, and sit together. Toothbrushing lasts two minutes each day, making dental care part of the routine rather than an occasional topic.

Staffing includes a nursery teacher and early years teaching assistants. The wider school also has a SEND lead, providing a named role within the team for special educational needs and disabilities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable closing date.

The school's admissions page directs applicants to Warrington's Local Authority Admissions Department. It also requires a supplementary faith form for Reception, submitted to the school at the application stage. Familiar nursery routines and early language work should be considered separately from the allocation of a school place.

The nursery session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am each day. Plan collection around that morning finish when deciding whether the pattern fits work or other childcare arrangements.

For enquiries and a visit, telephone the school on 01925 632128. The admissions page invites families to call about places and arrange to meet children and staff.

Morning collection. The three-hour session ends before midday. Families needing care later in the day should factor that finish into their childcare plans.