St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

A Catholic school setting gives this nursery its defining context. St Joseph's nursery belongs to St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Warndon, Worcester, on Chedworth Drive. The school aims to give children a Catholic education, with faith shaping its activities. For families choosing early education here, that religious character is part of the choice from the outset.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for early education: learning and development sit alongside requirements for children's welfare and safety. Its scope goes beyond early reading and numbers.

Communication, physical development and children's emotional and social development sit alongside literacy and mathematics. Understanding the world and expressive arts and design complete the seven learning areas. For parents, this means considering a child's growing ability to communicate, take part and develop relationships alongside the beginnings of more formal learning. Ongoing assessment forms part of the framework, keeping attention on development over time.

Support for additional needs has a defined team structure within the school. The special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) organises referrals, helps with further assessment and works with colleagues on planning and monitoring support. Responsibility for daily learning remains with the class teacher. Families are encouraged to raise developmental concerns with that teacher first, giving them a clear starting point for discussion.

External involvement requires parental consent and continuing discussion. Where professionals are already supporting a child, the school works with them; otherwise, the SENDCo can initiate a referral when the family and school agree it is appropriate. Connections include the Early Years Inclusion Team, Speech and Language Therapy Team and Occupational Therapy Services. These give the school routes to specialist advice for different needs.

Professional recommendations inform each child's Learning Plan and One Page Profile. The school says it provides an alternative where its curriculum does not meet an individual's needs. Parents can seek advice through jow_sen@emmausmac.com, making the support conversation accessible beyond a classroom discussion.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. Children attending the nursery are assessed against the same criteria as other applicants. Families must make a separate Reception application, so choosing the nursery and securing the next school place are distinct decisions.

For September 2027 entry, apply through the local authority where you live, naming St Joseph's, by 15 January 2027. A Supplementary Information Form must also reach the school by that date. Completing that form alone does not complete the application: the local authority application is required too. Keep both submissions in the family calendar; attendance at nursery does not replace either step.

The school office can be contacted on 01905 452772 or at jow_office@emmausmac.com. Its address is Chedworth Drive, Warndon, Worcester, WR4 9PG. This provides a direct contact route for nursery enquiries, separate from the local authority process used for Reception applications.