“Children learn as they play. Most importantly in play children learn how to learn.”

Fred Donaldson

Nursery Timings Reception Timings

AM session – 8.30am to 11.30am Drop off – 8.45am

PM session – 12.15pm to 3.15pm Pick up – 3.10pm

EYFS Information

Nursery Class Teacher (and EYFS Lead): Mrs Katherine White

Reception Class Teacher: Mrs Sophie Dalton

Class Teaching Assistants: Mrs Vicky Grey, Mrs Sam Lince and Mrs Rachel Whyman

To view our curriculum statement, please click here.

Welcome to our Early Years at St Bede’s

At St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that every child is a unique and precious gift from God, full of curiosity, potential and wonder. Our Early Years provision is where their learning journey begins—and we aim to make it joyful, meaningful, and filled with love.

Our Early Years (Nursery and Reception) is built on strong Catholic values. We care for the whole child—helping them grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. We want every child to feel happy, safe and excited to learn each day.

In our Early Years, we aim for all children to:

Love learning and feel proud of who they are.
Grow in confidence and independence, ready for new challenges.
Feel a strong sense of belonging in our kind and inclusive school family.
Explore through stories, nature and play, developing imagination, language and creativity.
Discover the joy in everyday experiences, learning through awe and wonder.

Our indoor and outdoor spaces are carefully designed to encourage children to play, explore, ask questions and make friends. From storytelling in cosy reading corners to adventures in our Forest School and trim trail, every day is filled with opportunities to grow.

We welcome all children and support each one as an individual—including those with special educational needs, English as an additional language, or different life experiences. We work closely with families to make sure every child gets the best start possible.

At St Bede’s, we believe childhood should be magical. We are here to help your child shine as the person God made them to be.

Nursery Long Term Curriculum Overview

Reception Long Term Curriculum Overview

Nursery Rhyme Progression in the EYFS

We want every child to have a happy start to their school life and enjoy each and every day that they spend with us.

Useful Information

Early Years words and phrases explained: A guide for parents and carers

Timetable

These are examples of our weekly timetables for our Nursery and Reception classes:

FS1-Timetable

FS2_Timetable

Parent Partnerships

We welcome any opportunities for parents to share their skills and knowledge.
Please share any photographs and WOW moments you have at home through our school email: [email protected].

The children enjoy sharing news with their friends and the constant dialogue between home and school helps us to understand your child and their interests.

Thank you for your support.

30 Hour Funding

We have a limited number of 30 hours childcare places at St Bede’s.

Eligibility is available for parents on the HMRC 30 hours childcare website: https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare

If you are eligible, please follow the steps carefully and once completed, you will be given an 11-digit validation code which you will need to use as proof to a member of our office staff prior to your child starting Nursery.

Please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our office staff or EYFS team if you have any questions.