St Michael's Catholic Primary Academy and Nursery: Nursery Review

In November 2024, songs, conversations about snow and children choosing their own outdoor clothing characterised St Michael’s early years provision. Small acts of independence were part of children’s learning. The nursery belongs to St Michael's Catholic Primary Academy and Nursery in Merry Hill, Wolverhampton, within a school whose Catholic ethos shapes its aims for children’s education and personal development.

The academy welcomes families with different religious beliefs, including those with none. For parents, the choice is therefore also about being comfortable with a Catholic setting: faith is part of the academy’s identity, rather than a separate addition to school life.

Language had a clear place in the early years day in November 2024. Adults were skilled at helping children develop speech and communication, using songs and rhymes to introduce vocabulary and counting. Children also talked about nursery rhymes they liked. These familiar activities gave young children something concrete to talk about while practising words and numbers together.

Outdoor learning brought another kind of conversation during that inspection. Adults prompted children to describe snow, connecting new language with something they could experience directly. Boots and waterproof clothing were available for children to choose themselves. Getting ready for outdoor learning was therefore also a chance to practise doing things independently.

The November 2024 early years findings also highlighted social development: children were considerate towards each other, shared resources and waited for their turn. Those everyday interactions mattered alongside counting and vocabulary. They gave children practice in taking part in a group and making room for someone else’s ideas.

Working with parents was a strength of the early years provision in November 2024. Staff used that partnership to develop learning from children’s existing abilities and understanding. This makes parents’ knowledge of their child useful to teaching, rather than treating learning at home and nursery as separate experiences.

For SEND discussions, the school’s special educational needs coordinator can be reached through the main school telephone number or email contact. That provides a direct route into the school’s support arrangements.

Safeguarding concerns can be raised with the academy’s safeguarding team. At school level, Operation Encompass involves working with West Midlands Police to support children affected by domestic abuse. This is a specific partnership relevant to families whose circumstances may affect a child’s wellbeing.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Wolverhampton’s coordinated local authority admissions procedure, meeting the normal application deadline. Treat this as a separate decision and application, even when your child already attends the nursery.

The academy welcomes applications from families outside the Catholic faith. Respect for its Catholic ethos remains part of the choice families make.

Visits can be arranged by contacting the academy. Call 01902 556368 to get in touch; the school is on Telford Gardens in Wolverhampton, WV3 7LE. A visit gives families a practical way to explore the nursery before deciding.

Parents and carers are asked to check and update their contact details through Arbor. Changes go directly to the academy office, helping the school keep family contact information up to date.