We offer 52 part time Nursery places in our Foundation Unit. The Nursery is staffed by a qualified teacher and a nursery nurse. In the Nursery we aim to equip every child with the social, emotional and intellectual skills necessary in order for them to enter Reception ready and able to access the stimulating and varied learning opportunities available to them. In accordance with recent guidance, our Nursery and Reception classes are taught together in our Foundation Stage Unit. This provides all our children with a secure environment in which they can develop and grow in their most important and formative years.
The Foundation Unit has its own self-contained outside play area. Here a variety of larger equipment is available to the children. A warm coat is necessary for outdoor play in colder months of the year. The Nursery uniform is a maroon jogging suit, embroidered with the school badge, and a white polo shirt, also embroidered with the school badge. Both items are available from Laser Schoolwear, St. Mary’s Road, Garston. During the summer term the children may wear maroon shorts.
An important part of the Foundation Stage setting is Continuous Snack Provision. The children are encouraged to develop their social skills, manners and be independent. As a whole school we promote healthy eating which is reflected in the snack we provide. In order to enable us to provide snack a small charge is made and payable weekly or half termly.
Children cannot be admitted to Nursery until after their third birthday.
When offering a Nursery place the Headteacher and Governors will consider the following:
- Age; that is when, within the academic year, the child reaches their third birthday.
- Availability of places.
- Priority will be given to
- a) Baptised, Catholic children who intend to enter full time education at St. Mark’s
- b) Baptised, non-Catholic children who intend to enter full time education at St. Mark’s.
- Date of application for a Nursery place.
Offer of a Nursery place does not guarantee admission to the Reception class.
