Admissions to Nursery
WELCOME TO ST CATHERINE’S NURSERY
Joining our Nursery is the beginning of your child’s educational journey with us. Our Early Years provision supports children aged 3-5 and is split into two phases: Lower EY (Nursery) and Upper EY (Reception). At St Catherine’s, play, hands on exploration and meaningful experiences sit at the heart of learning, enabling every child to grow in confidence, curiosity and independence.
St Catherine’s is based in Sandyford, nestled between Newcastle City Centre and Heaton, just south of Jesmond and north of the Ouseburn. We are just minutes from the Coast Road, reached by turning onto Sandyford Road, and located right next to Café Filto. We are fortunate to back onto Heaton Park and Jesmond Dene, giving our children the benefit of learning using two of Newcastle’s most loved green spaces.
We also offer wraparound care from 7:30am to 5:45pm, supporting families who need extended provision beyond Nursery hours.
As a welcoming and inclusive school community, we accept children from families of all faiths and none. Our Catholic ethos underpins our school’s inclusive, nurturing and family‑centred values - a community where every child is loved, supported and encouraged to ‘be who God meant them to be’. When there are enough places available at the school, every child who applies will be offered a place, regardless of faith background.
We currently have places available in Nursery, Reception and in other year groups across the school.
A DAY IN NURSERY
Every day in Nursery is filled with purposeful, engaging learning - both indoors and outdoors. Children take part in:
- Daily carpet sessions focusing on communication & language, maths or understanding the world
- We also provide phonological awareness sessions which are aligned with the school’s phonics scheme.
- Indoor and outdoor provision supported by skilled, nurturing staff
- Creative, messy and sensory play opportunities
- Focused time to develop fine-motor and gross-motor skills.
- Shared story time, reflection and calm end of day routines
We make full use of our brand‑new outdoor provision, designed to spark curiosity, physical development and imaginative play. We access the outdoors in all weathers, so we ask parent/carers to provide a puddle suit and wellies to keep at school.
Our indoor provision is geared towards developing language through our enabling environment where children can access their own learning through the different areas and labelled resources. Positive relationships are formed between staff and pupils and staff regularly up-date their CPD on language development through opportunities provided by Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust and the local authority.
Our Nursery children leave here ready for school, having developed independence, confidence and the skills and knowledge needed for Reception class.
