Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School Nursery

Play and purposeful teaching share the early years day at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Nursery provision starts from age three, within a Catholic primary school on Hamilton Drive in York. Families should confirm eligibility with the school for their intended intake. Its character is clearest in the everyday learning: adults help children discuss ideas, negotiate with one another and become more independent.

Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 6 and 7 February 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the starting point for learning. In parent terms, staff break the knowledge and skills children need into smaller steps, then follow their development through five checkpoints. The named OLQM toolkit for learning brings those steps together. Assessment guides what staff teach next, with activities and the learning environment adjusted to children's needs and interests.

There is a mix of adult teaching and planned play. In February 2024, early years children explored doubling with ten frames, giving a concrete form to a mathematical idea. Adults also demonstrated how to respond in conversations and helped children negotiate. Learning to get along is part of the work.

Games, art and construction feature in the EYFS activities. Each classroom has a Clevertouch interactive board, and children can use the school's iPads and Chromebooks, alongside Purple Mash and Clevertouch software. These resources add digital activities to the practical play. Early attempts at writing are recognised and developed from the Foundation Stage, so children's first marks are treated as a way to communicate meaning.

Teachers and assistant teachers assess children's learning and adjust their teaching accordingly. Tapestry, an online learning journal, records achievements through notes, photographs and video. It captures individual learning as well as activities involving groups or the whole class.

For concerns about special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), parents can speak first to the class teacher or reach the Inclusion Manager through the school office. The school aims to identify needs early and works with families and outside professionals. That gives parents a clear starting point for discussing their child's development and support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through City of York Council and complete the school's Supplementary Information Form.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed; families should use the normal Reception application route for their child's entry year. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. The nursery accepts both 15 and 30 hour funding. Staying between 11:30am and noon carries an additional daily charge if families choose that arrangement. Contact the school for current charges.

A Nursery Class Application Form is used to apply. Enquiries go through the school office on 01904 806093, and an in-person tour can be booked by phone or email. Seeing the provision gives families an opportunity to consider how the session pattern fits their day.