Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Whitley Bay: Nursery Review

Chicks hatching, caterpillars becoming butterflies and conversations about feelings give this nursery a character beyond its three-hour sessions. It is the nursery within Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in Whitley Bay, with capacity for 26 full-time equivalent places. Children usually join in September after turning three; entry at other points depends on space and the Governing Committee’s discretion.

Catholic values shape the wider school, but families of any faith or none can apply. Supporting the school’s Catholic ethos is part of that relationship. For parents, this combines a short nursery day with membership of a faith-based school community.

Children attend a morning or afternoon session, rather than a continuous school day. That gives the week a consistent pattern: three hours daily and 15 hours altogether.

In May 2024, Ofsted found that early-years children understood familiar routines, joined activities eagerly and worked together, with learning planned to prepare them for their next educational stage. These are useful foundations for nursery life: knowing what happens next, taking part and learning alongside other children.

Early-years learning includes physical development and PE, helping children practise larger movements. Annual deliveries of eggs and caterpillars bring changes in living things into their learning. Watching chicks hatch and butterflies emerge gives children something concrete to observe and discuss.

Outdoor activity also features in nursery experiences. During a mental-health week, children spent time outside and considered kind words for friends. Other activities have explored recognising emotions and responding when feeling sad or cross. Learning about feelings is practical here: children connect an emotion with something they can do about it.

Religious education uses Come and See, alongside learning about Judaism and Islam during the autumn and summer terms. This places the nursery’s early learning within the school’s Catholic identity.

A sensory room is accessible to any child in the school. It provides a quieter setting for sensory needs and self-regulation, giving children another space beyond their usual classroom.

Parents can raise additional-needs concerns with the SENDCO or Assistant SENDCO. North Tyneside SENDIASS and the Early Years Inclusion Padlet are further routes to advice and resources. This gives families both a school contact and support beyond it.

Classroom adaptations. In May 2024, some pupils with SEND across the school struggled because learning activities were insufficiently adapted, limiting their progress. That school-wide concern makes the suitability of individual nursery activities an important point for families considering additional support. Ofsted also found in May 2024 that curriculum development in a minority of subjects across the school limited opportunities to build on earlier learning and held back some pupils’ progress.

Safeguarding arrangements include regular staff training, checks on adults working with children and written recording of concerns through CPOMS. Parents can contact the safeguarding team through the office. The premises are accessible to children and adults with disabilities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the Common Application Form; North Tyneside residents apply through North Tyneside Council.

Closing dates fall in January, with the precise date confirmed annually by the local authority. Treat that application as a separate step while your child attends nursery, rather than assuming their school place will continue automatically.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The nursery pattern therefore requires collection before lunch or attendance after it, which matters when planning work and other childcare.

Nursery applications go directly to the school. Families can request a tour, with the office arranging a suitable date and time. Contact the office on 0191 313 0490 or at office@sotsprimary.co.uk.

Early-years uniform includes a white polo shirt, grey trousers or skirt, a blue sweatshirt or cardigan carrying the school badge, and brown or black shoes. Previously owned uniform is accessible through the office, giving families a practical reuse option.