Welcome to the Nursery class page at St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School!

Starting Nursery is a very special milestone for children and their families. For many children, this is their first experience of being part of a school community, making friends, exploring new experiences and discovering the excitement of learning.

At St Bernard’s, we want every child to feel safe, happy, valued and loved. Guided by our school mission, “You are precious in my eyes”, we recognise that every child is unique and deserves the opportunity to flourish.

Our Nursery provides a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where children can develop confidence, independence and curiosity through meaningful experiences, purposeful play and positive relationships.

We understand that every child develops at their own pace. We take time to get to know each child and their family, building strong relationships that help children feel secure and ready to explore the world around them.

Here you will find useful information about life in Nursery, including our learning environment, what your child needs, our curriculum and important updates throughout the year.

We look forward to working in partnership with you as your child begins their exciting journey at St Bernard’s.

Starting Nursery

Starting Nursery is an important step towards becoming an independent learner. We want children to feel comfortable, confident and excited about coming to school.

We recognise that every child is different. Some children settle quickly, while others need more time, reassurance and encouragement. Our experienced early years team works closely with families to help children feel secure and develop trusting relationships with the adults around them.

We encourage children to begin developing the skills they need for school, such as hanging up their belongings, washing their hands, choosing activities, sharing resources and asking an adult for help.

We celebrate small steps as well as big milestones, recognising that each achievement helps children develop confidence and independence.

Working together, we can make your child's first experiences of school happy, positive and memorable.

Learning Through Play

Play is at the heart of our Nursery curriculum. Young children learn by exploring, investigating, experimenting, talking, moving and making sense of the world around them.

Our indoor and outdoor environments provide a wide range of opportunities for children to follow their interests, discover new experiences and develop essential early skills.

Children are encouraged to:

  • Explore different materials, textures and resources.

  • Build, construct, create and solve simple problems.

  • Develop friendships and learn to play alongside others.

  • Use their imagination through small-world play and role play.

  • Investigate the natural world and enjoy outdoor experiences.

  • Develop their communication, coordination and independence.

  • Make choices and begin to talk about their ideas and discoveries.

Our adults play an important role in supporting learning. Through careful observation, positive interactions, modelling and thoughtful questions, staff introduce new vocabulary, extend children's thinking and help them develop their understanding.

We combine child-initiated play with carefully planned adult-led experiences, ensuring that children enjoy exploring while developing the knowledge and skills they need for future learning.

Learning Indoors and Outdoors

Our Nursery environment is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage independence and give children opportunities to learn through first-hand experiences.

Indoors, children can explore activities that support early communication, literacy, mathematics, creativity, construction, imaginative play and investigation.

Our outdoor provision gives children space to move, climb, balance, build, investigate and discover the natural world. Outdoor learning supports physical development, confidence, teamwork, problem-solving and communication.

We believe that children benefit from experiencing the outdoors in different weather conditions, helping them develop curiosity and an appreciation of the world around them.

Please provide your child with the following items, clearly labelled with their name:

  • Named wellies

  • Named waterproof clothing

  • A complete change of clothes, including underwear and socks

  • Weather-appropriate clothing, such as a warm coat or sun hat when needed

Spare clothing is particularly helpful during the early years, as children may become wet or muddy while exploring and playing.

We also encourage children to practise putting on their shoes, managing simple fastenings and changing clothing with increasing independence.

💧 Water Bottles

Children should bring a named water bottle containing water only each day, in accordance with school arrangements.

We encourage children to access their water regularly and begin taking responsibility for their own belongings.

Please choose a bottle that your child can open and close as independently as possible.

Developing Independence and Self-Care

Developing independence is an important part of learning in Nursery. We support children to build the confidence and skills needed to manage everyday routines and take increasing responsibility for themselves.

Throughout the day, children are encouraged to practise:

  • Washing and drying their hands.

  • Using the toilet and managing clothing as independently as possible.

  • Putting away toys and resources.

  • Eating and drinking with increasing independence.

  • Putting on and taking off coats and shoes.

  • Asking for help when they need it.

  • Making choices and following familiar routines.

We understand that children develop these skills at different rates and will provide encouragement, patience and appropriate support.

Please share any relevant information about your child's toileting, personal care, medical needs or individual routines with the Nursery team so that we can work together to support them.

We value close communication with families and want every child to feel comfortable, respected and supported as they develop their independence.

Snack and Healthy Habits

Snack time provides opportunities for children to develop healthy habits, practise independence and enjoy social interaction with their friends.

Children are encouraged to develop their eating and drinking skills, make choices where appropriate and begin following simple routines such as sitting safely, washing their hands and tidying away.

Please follow the school's current guidance regarding Nursery snacks, drinks, allergies and any food brought from home. If your child has any dietary requirements or allergies, please ensure that the school is informed.

We also encourage families to support healthy routines at home, including regular sleep, handwashing, toothbrushing and opportunities for active play.

What Are We Learning?

Our Nursery curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and provides the foundations for children's future learning.

At this stage, our priority is to develop children's communication, personal and social skills, physical development, curiosity and confidence, alongside the early knowledge and understanding needed for Reception.

Our curriculum covers seven areas of learning:

  • Communication and Language – listening, understanding, speaking and developing vocabulary.

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development – building relationships, developing confidence and beginning to manage feelings and behaviour.

  • Physical Development – developing coordination, balance, movement and fine motor control.

  • Literacy – enjoying books, stories, songs, rhymes and early mark-making.

  • Mathematics – exploring counting, quantities, patterns, shapes and comparisons.

  • Understanding the World – discovering people, families, communities, nature and the environment.

  • Expressive Arts and Design – creating, singing, moving, imagining and exploring different materials.

Children learn through a combination of carefully planned adult-led activities, small-group experiences, meaningful interactions and child-initiated play.

We follow children's interests while ensuring that important knowledge and skills are introduced, revisited and developed over time.

Our curriculum reflects the values of St Bernard's. We encourage children to show compassion, experience joy, develop resilience, care for their wellbeing, act with integrity and take pride in their achievements.

Curriculum Intent

Our intention is to provide every child with a happy, secure and successful start to their education.

We want children to develop a strong sense of belonging, build positive relationships and become confident explorers of the world around them.

Through purposeful play, rich language experiences, stories, practical activities and meaningful interactions, we aim to develop the foundations for communication, early literacy, mathematics, physical development and personal independence.

We recognise that children arrive with different experiences and starting points. Our staff get to know each child as an individual and use this understanding to plan appropriate learning opportunities and support each child's progress.

Above all, we want children to enjoy coming to Nursery, develop a love of learning and feel proud of what they can achieve.

Our EYFS Principles

Our Nursery provision is built around strong relationships, purposeful play, inclusive practice and the belief that every child is precious.

We recognise that children learn best when they feel safe, secure and understood. Our staff provide warm, responsive interactions and opportunities for children to explore, practise skills, ask questions and develop confidence.

We work in partnership with families to understand children's individual needs and experiences, helping to create a consistent and supportive approach between home and school.

Through our Catholic ethos, we promote kindness, respect, compassion and a sense of belonging, ensuring that every child is welcomed and valued within our St Bernard's family.

Communication and Language

Communication and language are central to everything we do in Nursery.

We want children to develop the confidence to express their needs, share their ideas, listen to others and begin engaging in conversations.

Throughout the day, children have opportunities to sing songs, enjoy rhymes, listen to stories, talk about their experiences and learn new words through play.

Our adults model language, introduce vocabulary and encourage children to communicate in ways appropriate to their stage of development. We give children time to think, respond and develop their confidence as communicators.

Families can support communication at home by talking about everyday activities, sharing books, singing familiar songs, naming objects and allowing children time to express themselves.

Little conversations make a big difference. Every story shared, question asked and new word explored helps build the foundations for future learning.

Early Reading and Phonics

We want children to develop a love of books and discover the enjoyment that stories, songs and rhymes can bring.

In Nursery, children experience a rich range of high-quality picture books, familiar stories, traditional tales, poems and nursery rhymes.

We encourage children to handle books carefully, turn pages, talk about illustrations, join in with repeated phrases and begin anticipating what might happen next.

Children also develop early listening skills and an awareness of sounds through songs, rhymes, rhythm, environmental sounds and playful listening activities.

As children develop, these experiences help prepare them for systematic phonics teaching through Red Rose Letters and Sounds and support their journey towards becoming confident readers.

Families can make a valuable contribution by sharing a story every day, talking about pictures, singing rhymes and revisiting favourite books.

Reading together should be enjoyable rather than a test. Even a few minutes of shared reading can help children develop language, imagination and a positive attitude towards books.

Early Writing and Fine Motor Skills

In Nursery, children begin their writing journey by developing the physical skills, coordination and confidence needed to make marks and communicate their ideas.

Children are encouraged to draw, paint, make marks, explore different materials and talk about what they have created.

They develop fine motor skills through activities such as playdough, threading, puzzles, construction, painting, using tools and handling small objects safely.

As children become more confident, they may begin to give meaning to their marks, recognise familiar letters, show an interest in their name and experiment with early writing.

We celebrate every stage of development and provide opportunities for children to develop hand strength, coordination and control in enjoyable, practical ways.

At home, activities such as drawing, colouring, playing with dough, building with blocks and helping with simple everyday tasks can support these important skills.

Early Mathematics

Mathematics begins with children's everyday experiences of number, shape, pattern, space and measure.

In Nursery, we help children develop early mathematical understanding through practical activities, songs, stories, games and purposeful play.

Children have opportunities to:

  • Count objects and actions in everyday situations.

  • Notice small quantities and begin recognising how many objects they can see.

  • Compare groups using language such as more, fewer and the same.

  • Explore patterns, shapes and how objects fit together.

  • Investigate size, length, capacity and position.

  • Use mathematical language during play and everyday routines.

We want children to understand what numbers and quantities mean, rather than simply reciting numbers from memory.

Families can support early mathematics at home by counting steps, comparing toys, sorting socks, noticing shapes, singing number rhymes and talking about quantities during meals and shopping trips.

These simple experiences help children develop curiosity and confidence with mathematics before they begin more formal learning in Reception.

Understanding the World

Nursery provides wonderful opportunities for children to discover more about themselves, their families, their community and the world around them.

Through stories, celebrations, outdoor exploration, natural materials and everyday experiences, children begin to notice similarities and differences, ask questions and develop an understanding of the people and places around them.

Children may investigate plants, observe changes in the weather, explore materials, look closely at insects, talk about their families and learn about different celebrations and traditions.

Our Catholic school community also provides opportunities to develop kindness, compassion, gratitude and an appreciation of the people who help us.

We encourage children to be curious, care for their surroundings and begin understanding their place within our wider community.

Creativity, Music and Imagination

Creative experiences help children express themselves, explore ideas and develop their imagination.

In Nursery, children have opportunities to paint, draw, build, sing, dance, move to music and explore a wide range of materials.

Through role play and small-world activities, children recreate familiar experiences, invent stories and develop their communication and social skills.

We value the process of creating as much as the finished product. Children are encouraged to make choices, experiment with materials, try new ideas and take pride in their creations.

These experiences support confidence, coordination, imagination and the development of early problem-solving skills.

Inclusion, Wellbeing and Our Catholic Values

At St Bernard's, our mission reminds us that every child is precious and deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness and respect.

We want every child to feel welcomed, included and valued, whatever their starting point, strengths or individual needs.

Our staff work closely with families, colleagues and relevant professionals to understand children's needs and provide appropriate support as early as possible.

We recognise that children develop at different rates and that some may need additional time, encouragement or tailored experiences to help them participate fully and make progress.

Our school values are an important part of everyday Nursery life:

  • Wellbeing – helping children feel safe, secure and cared for.

  • Joy – celebrating discovery, friendship and achievement.

  • Resilience – encouraging children to keep trying and learn through experience.

  • Integrity – beginning to understand honesty, responsibility and doing the right thing.

  • Excellence – encouraging every child to develop their abilities and take pride in their efforts.

  • Compassion – learning to be kind, caring and considerate towards others.

We want children to know that they belong to our school family and that their individuality is celebrated.

Working in Partnership with Families

Parents and carers are children's first educators, and we believe that strong partnerships between home and school make a real difference.

We value the knowledge that families bring and encourage open communication about children's interests, achievements, routines and needs.

Sharing information helps us understand what matters to each child and enables us to provide learning experiences that build on their interests and experiences.

Simple Ways to Support Learning at Home

You do not need expensive toys or complicated activities to support your child's development. Everyday experiences provide wonderful opportunities for learning.

  • Talk together: describe what you are doing, ask simple questions and give your child time to respond.

  • Share stories: read favourite books, talk about pictures and sing familiar rhymes.

  • Count through play: count stairs, toys, pieces of fruit or objects during everyday routines.

  • Encourage independence: let your child practise putting on shoes, washing hands and tidying toys.

  • Explore outdoors: look for leaves, insects, puddles, shapes and changes in the weather.

  • Play together: build towers, make marks, use playdough, complete puzzles and enjoy imaginative games.

  • Celebrate effort: praise your child's curiosity, persistence and willingness to try.

Most importantly, make learning enjoyable. Playing, talking and spending time together help children develop confidence and a positive attitude towards learning.

Preparing for Reception

Nursery is an important part of children's educational journey and helps lay the foundations for a confident transition into Reception.

Throughout their time in Nursery, children develop communication, independence, physical skills, early literacy and mathematics, alongside the social and emotional skills needed to participate in school life.

We encourage children to build friendships, follow familiar routines, express their needs, make choices and develop confidence when trying new experiences.

As children approach Reception, we work with families and relevant staff to support a positive transition, sharing appropriate information about children's development, interests, strengths and support needs.

We want children to move into Reception feeling secure, confident and excited about the next stage of their learning journey.

Every achievement in Nursery, however small it may seem, helps build the foundations for future success.

📰 Keeping Up to Date

We want families to feel informed and involved in life at St Bernard's. Important information, reminders and updates are shared throughout the school year.

Our Friday Newsletter is sent to families through Arbor. It contains important school news, upcoming dates, reminders and information about events and activities.

Please check Arbor regularly to keep up to date with what is happening across our school community.

Latest News

Keep up to date with the latest news, celebrations and events from across St Bernard's through our school website and regular communications.

We enjoy celebrating children's achievements and sharing the exciting experiences taking place throughout our school.

Contacting the Nursery Team

If you need to speak to your child's teacher or another member of the Nursery team, please contact the school office to arrange a suitable time.

We value open and positive communication with families and want you to feel comfortable sharing questions, concerns or important information about your child.

At the beginning and end of the school day, staff prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all children. For this reason, longer conversations should be arranged in advance so that we can give you the time and attention you need.

Working together helps us provide the best possible care, support and learning experiences for your child.

🩺 Useful Information

Please use this section to find important information to help your child settle into Nursery and enjoy their time at St Bernard's.

If you have any questions or need further support, please contact the school office. We are always keen to work in partnership with families to ensure that every child feels happy, safe and supported.

🌟 Our St Bernard's Nursery

At St Bernard's Catholic Primary School, we believe that every child is precious, every achievement matters and every child deserves the opportunity to flourish.

Our Nursery is a place where children can develop friendships, explore their interests, discover new experiences and begin building the foundations for lifelong learning.

Guided by our mission, “You are precious in my eyes”, we celebrate each child's individuality and encourage them to grow through our school values of Wellbeing, Joy, Resilience, Integrity, Excellence and Compassion.

Thank you for being part of our school family. We look forward to sharing your child's first steps in their educational journey and working together to make their time in Nursery happy, meaningful and memorable.

Every child is precious. Every child belongs. Every child can flourish.

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Getting Ready for a Happy Start to School

Starting Reception is a big milestone for children and their families. At St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School, we want every child to feel safe, confident, happy and excited about beginning their school journey.

Guided by our school mission, “You are precious in my eyes”, we recognise that every child is unique and deserves to feel welcomed, valued and supported from their very first day.

Being ready for school does not mean that your child needs to be able to read, write or complete lots of academic tasks before they arrive. Children develop at different rates, and there is no single checklist that every child must complete before starting Reception.

Instead, school readiness is about gradually developing the confidence, independence, communication and social skills that help children settle into school and make the most of their learning and experiences.

At St Bernard’s, we work in partnership with families to give every child the best possible start.

Preparing for Reception

Starting school is an important step for every child and family, and we want to make the transition to St Bernard’s as positive, smooth and reassuring as possible.

Our transition arrangements begin before your child starts Reception. During the summer term, we provide opportunities for families to find out more about school life, meet members of staff, ask questions and receive useful information to help prepare for September.

Our Reception team also works to get to know children before they start school, including through visits to their current nursery settings and Stay & Play. These opportunities help us begin building relationships, understand children's interests and experiences, and identify any support they may need.

By working closely with families and early years settings, we can build a better understanding of each child and help them feel welcomed and supported as they begin their journey with us.

We recognise that starting school can bring a mixture of excitement, anticipation and uncertainty. Our aim is to make this transition as reassuring as possible, helping children develop a sense of belonging within our St Bernard’s school family.

Please refer to the information shared by school for details of our current Reception transition arrangements and September start.

What Can You Do at Home?

There are lots of simple things you can do together as part of everyday family life to help your child prepare for school.

You do not need expensive resources or formal lessons. Everyday conversations, playing together, sharing books and encouraging small steps towards independence all make a valuable difference.

Talk, Listen and Communicate

Communication is one of the most important foundations for learning. Encourage your child to talk about their experiences, ask questions and explain what they are thinking and feeling.

You can help by:

  • Talking together about everyday activities.

  • Sharing stories and books regularly.

  • Singing songs and nursery rhymes.

  • Encouraging your child to listen and take turns in conversations.

  • Introducing new words and talking about what they mean.

  • Helping your child find words to express their feelings and needs.

  • Giving your child time to respond without rushing them.

Children do not need to speak perfectly or know lots of words before they start school. What matters is providing opportunities to communicate, listen and develop confidence at their own pace.

Encourage Independence

Starting school brings lots of new routines. Helping your child practise doing things for themselves can make the transition easier and help them feel proud of what they can achieve.

Encourage your child to practise:

  • Putting on and taking off their coat.

  • Managing simple zips, buttons and shoes.

  • Using the toilet and managing clothing as independently as possible.

  • Washing and drying their hands.

  • Eating independently and using cutlery.

  • Drinking from their own water bottle.

  • Looking after their belongings.

  • Tidying away toys and resources.

  • Asking a trusted adult for help when they need it.

Remember that independence develops gradually. Offer encouragement, allow plenty of time and celebrate your child's efforts, even when things do not go perfectly.

Develop Social and Emotional Skills

Children benefit from opportunities to play with others, develop friendships, take turns and begin managing their feelings.

You can support your child by encouraging them to:

  • Take turns during games and everyday activities.

  • Share resources with support from an adult.

  • Listen to others and begin following simple instructions.

  • Talk about their feelings and recognise emotions.

  • Play alongside other children and begin developing friendships.

  • Try something new, even when it feels unfamiliar.

  • Keep trying when something is difficult.

  • Understand that making mistakes is part of learning.

At St Bernard’s, our values of Wellbeing, Joy, Resilience, Integrity, Excellence and Compassion help shape the positive relationships we encourage throughout school life.

You can support these values at home through small everyday actions, such as being kind, helping others, trying again and celebrating one another's achievements.

Play, Explore and Be Active

Play is one of the most important ways young children learn. It helps them develop physical skills, language, imagination, curiosity and problem-solving abilities.

Give your child plenty of opportunities to:

  • Play indoors and outdoors.

  • Explore nature, gardens, parks and local surroundings.

  • Run, climb, jump, balance and develop coordination.

  • Build with blocks and explore construction toys.

  • Draw, paint, make marks and use child-friendly tools.

  • Enjoy puzzles, playdough and activities that strengthen their fingers.

  • Explore numbers through cooking, shopping and everyday games.

  • Sort objects, spot patterns and talk about shapes and sizes.

  • Use their imagination through role play and small-world activities.

Most importantly, follow your child's interests. When children are curious, engaged and enjoying themselves, wonderful learning can take place.

📚 Reading Together

One of the most valuable things you can do before your child starts Reception is share books together.

Your child does not need to know how to read before starting school. Our aim is to help children develop a love of books, stories and language, which provides an important foundation for learning to read.

Enjoy books together in ways that feel natural and fun. You could:

  • Talk about the pictures and what you can see.

  • Ask your child what they think might happen next.

  • Talk about the characters and how they might be feeling.

  • Encourage your child to join in with repeated phrases.

  • Sing familiar nursery rhymes and play with rhyming words.

  • Let your child choose their favourite stories.

  • Revisit the same book as often as they like.

There is no need to rush through a story or ask lots of questions. Sometimes the best moments come from simply enjoying a book together.

Most importantly, make reading enjoyable.

At St Bernard’s, we want children to discover the pleasure of stories, develop their imagination and build the foundations for becoming confident readers.

Get Ready for School Routines

Familiar routines can help children feel more confident when they begin Reception.

Where possible, you could gradually practise:

  • Getting up and ready at a consistent time.

  • Having breakfast and getting dressed.

  • Using the toilet and washing hands.

  • Putting on shoes and a coat.

  • Following simple instructions.

  • Tidying away after play.

  • Sitting together for short activities, such as sharing a story.

  • Talking positively about starting school.

You could also talk about what a school day might look like, including meeting teachers, making friends, playing outdoors, eating lunch and enjoying stories.

Keep these conversations positive and reassuring. Every child will need time to become familiar with their new routines, and our staff will support them as they settle in.

Becoming Familiar with School

Talking positively about St Bernard’s can help your child feel more comfortable about starting school.

You might talk about:

  • The adults who will help them during the day.

  • The opportunities they will have to play and explore.

  • Making new friends and learning alongside other children.

  • The importance of asking an adult for help.

  • The exciting stories, activities and experiences they will enjoy.

If you have opportunities to attend transition events or visit school, use these experiences to help your child become familiar with their new surroundings.

You do not need to make your child feel that they must be brave all the time. It is perfectly normal for children to feel nervous, and reassuring them that grown-ups will help them is an important part of preparing for school.

Every Child Is Different

Every child develops at their own pace, and there is no perfect way to prepare for school.

Some children will be confident with dressing and toileting, while others will still need help. Some will talk readily, while others may need more time or support to communicate. Some will already show an interest in letters and numbers, while others will be busy developing the earlier skills that underpin these areas.

Please do not worry if your child cannot yet do everything described on this page.

These are skills that develop over time. Our role is to get to know your child, understand their starting points and work with you to support their individual development.

If you have concerns about your child's development, communication, toileting, medical needs or any additional support they may require, please speak to us. Early conversations help us work together to plan a positive transition and ensure that your child receives the support they need.

At St Bernard’s, we believe every child is precious and deserves the opportunity to flourish.

Working in Partnership with Families

Parents and carers are their child's first educators, and we value the knowledge and experiences that families bring.

You know your child best. Sharing information about their interests, routines, strengths, worries and needs helps us understand how to make their transition into school as positive as possible.

We encourage families to speak to us about any questions or concerns, however small they may seem. Working together allows us to build trusting relationships and provide consistent support for your child.

Our aim is for every family to feel welcomed, listened to and part of our St Bernard’s school community.

🔗 Useful Resources for Families

The following resources can help you find practical advice and ideas for preparing your child for starting Reception.

Please also look out for information from St Bernard’s about Reception transition events and arrangements for September.

A Confident Start at St Bernard’s

Starting school is a special milestone, and we are delighted to be part of your child's journey.

Guided by our mission, “You are precious in my eyes”, we want every child to feel safe, valued and ready to explore new opportunities. Through strong relationships, a nurturing environment and a commitment to our school values, we aim to give every child the very best start.

There is no need to teach your child everything before they arrive. Enjoy spending time together, talking, playing, sharing stories and celebrating the little things they learn each day.

Talk. Play. Read. Explore. Encourage independence.

Most importantly, enjoy this special time together. We look forward to welcoming your child into our St Bernard’s school family and helping them flourish.

Every child is precious. Every child belongs. Every child can flourish.