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Nursery at St John Boste Catholic Primary School, Washington
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An enormous turnip gives a small but telling picture of nursery life here: children acted out The Enormous Turnip, turning a story into shared action. Books become something to do together. This is the nursery at St John Boste Catholic Primary School in Washington, with provision for three-year-olds within a Catholic school.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Stories and early sound work give learning a concrete starting point. In October 2025, nursery children retold The Enormous Turnip through acting, including the effort of pulling the turnip out. It is an example of children taking part in a narrative together, rather than simply hearing it read aloud.
At the February 2024 inspection, children in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) learned sounds supporting their start in phonics and reading. In February 2024, nursery teaching helped children progress rapidly, with established routines supporting their learning. The curriculum had been adjusted for three-year-olds to prepare them for the next stage.
Catholic identity also has a physical presence in the learning environment. Each classroom has a religious focus table containing a Bible, crucifix and candle. Its cloth changes with the church seasons, giving children a visible reference for the religious year.
Settling was a positive feature in February 2024: nursery children were becoming comfortable with their surroundings, supported by teaching and predictable routines. The staffing structure includes a nursery role and a nursery nurse, alongside an EYFS lead. These are distinct roles within the wider school team.
Additional needs are considered from entry to EYFS through an initial assessment, with progress followed and discussed with parents. Where concerns arise, children may receive closer monitoring. The school uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle to adjust support; individual support plans are reviewed with parents each term. This gives families recurring opportunities to discuss what their child needs.
For food, the school kitchen cooks meals on site each day using the BWCET Garden Kitchen Menu. Before children start, families provide dietary preferences, allergy details and health requirements, so those needs can inform care. This describes the school's catering arrangements.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the 2027–2028 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application to their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Educational preparation and admission are separate matters.
For children with SEND moving between classes, information and support plans pass to the next teacher in advance. A transition plan may include brief periods with the new teacher and visits to the classroom where needed. That supports familiarity with the next stage; it does not change the admissions process.
The school office handles enquiries on 0191 416 6200 or at mainschool@sjb.bwcet.com. It is the direct contact route for families considering the nursery. The school is on Castle Road in Washington, NE38 0HL.
School holiday dates differ from Sunderland Council's dates. Families should use the school's calendar when planning holidays and childcare around school closures.
The nursery provides for three-year-olds within St John Boste Catholic Primary School.
One example is acting out The Enormous Turnip together. At the February 2024 inspection, children also learned sounds supporting their start in phonics and reading.
The school's early years provision was graded Outstanding at the inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024. This is an early years judgement within the school.
No. Attendance does not guarantee a place or confer nursery-based priority under the 2027–2028 arrangements. A separate application goes to the home local authority, with a deadline of 15 January 2027 for September 2027 entry.
Contact the school office on 0191 416 6200 or email mainschool@sjb.bwcet.com.
