Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

St Catharine's Under Fives

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2024)
·
4.6(5 parent reviews) ·St. Catharine's Parish Hall, London Road, Gloucester, GL2 0RR · Gloucestershire
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2024
Local authority
Gloucestershire

About this day nursery

St Catharine's Under Fives, located a short walk from Gloucester City Centre, has been providing care and early education for pre-school children since the 1960s. The playgroup welcomes children aged 2 to 5 years, offering four morning or all-day sessions per week during term time.

A dedicated 'Pre-School' session on Thursdays focuses on preparing children for school the following September. The nursery prides itself on offering a safe and engaging environment, with 'Stay & Play' sessions also available for children from birth.

They work to accommodate families' needs, accepting various government funding schemes and tax-free childcare. The website also showcases heartfelt testimonials from parents, praising the staff's dedication and the positive impact the nursery has had on their children's development and well-being.

Links to their Ofsted report, policies, and an application form are readily available for prospective families.

What it's like

Children are welcomed into the setting with their parents, who can choose to stay for a while or leave them after they have spoken to the child's key person. Staff deliver an effective curriculum, taking into account the different ages and stages of the children and their interests. This supports all areas of children's development.

Term-time onlyPlay-based learningCommunity linksLong-established

Pricing & funding

This nursery charges hourly rates with different pricing tiers for children under three and those aged three to four. They also run standalone Stay & Play sessions. Funding is accepted under local government guidelines, including schemes for two, three, and four-year-olds.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Accepts LEA New for Two and Free for 3 & 4 vouchers.
  • Accepts Tax-Free Childcare and 30-hour funding.
  • Stay & Play sessions include craft, free play, cake, and singing.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.10am – 2.40pm; Thursday 9.10am – 2.40pm (Pre-School session); Stay & Play: Tuesday 10.00am – 11:30am

Age range

2-5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

Morning sessions, All-day sessions

Established

1993

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for St Catharine's Under Fives

Last inspected 29 April 2024

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are welcomed into the setting with their parents, who can choose to stay for a while or leave them after they have spoken to the child's key person. Staff deliver an effective curriculum, taking into account the different ages and stages of the children and their interests. This supports all areas of children's development.

Inspector highlights

  • Effective curriculum that supports all areas of children's development.
  • Effective key-person system ensures staff know children well and plan for their next steps.
  • High levels of independence shown by children in their play and daily routines.
  • Strong emphasis on communication, language, and personal, social and emotional development.
  • Positive relationships with parents, with good systems for sharing information and involving parents in their child's progress.

Areas to develop

  • 1Improve transitions during snack times and when preparing to go outside to make sure that children are engaged in meaningful learning and not waiting for long periods.
Inspection #10340064 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

their children are getting the 'best start'

parents say they feel their child's key person knows them well and is getting them ready for the move to school

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. The special educational needs coordinator works with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to make sure children have the correct support to help them make the best possible progress. She works closely with parents, and they report that their children are getting the 'best start' at the setting.

Outdoor space

Staff make good use of the outdoor area in all weathers to support children's physical development. Children have good resources to develop their core muscles and larger movements.

Parent Reviews of St Catharine's Under Fives

4.6
(5)
Isabel Romero
6 years ago

A really lovely and friendly local playgroup where the staff and volunteers genuinely care for the children and a lot of time and thought goes into planning activities for the children. I started going to the Stay and Play session on a Wednesday morning with my son (who is now at school) and now go with my daughter. Every Wednesday she says “yey, I like playgroup mummy, can I play on the bikes?”

Read on Google
Mandy Coombes
6 years ago

This playgroup has a wonderful family atmosphere, the staff really care for every child and strive to support the children and families in every way. Excellent Ofsted report following a visit in 2019, where the playgroup were awarded overall good, with outstanding for their work promoting childrens development and their work with children and families. Lots of fun events arranged during the sessions for the children and throughout the year for the whole family. A gem of a playgroup with highly trained, longstanding staff that really understand how to support children to blossom and prepare for school.

Read on Google
Victoria Norledge
6 years ago

As a parent about to leave this wonderful little place, I cannot sing its praises highly enough. My son began here two years ago after going along to some stay and play sessions on a Wednesday. I’m not sure how to sum this setting up in a few words but the staff are just incredible. Supportive to an uncertain mum and an extension of home for a curious two year old. They have nurtured and supported him so that he is totally ready for school this year. Easy and thorough interaction and so many special extra curricular activities (which I won’t spoil for prospective parents) but above and beyond in every single way. We will miss every aspect of St. Catharine’s under fives enormously 😢

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for St Catharine's Under Fives. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: December 2007

  • May 2024Good
  • April 2024Good
  • April 2019Good
  • March 2019Good
  • August 2015Good
  • July 2015Good
  • July 2011Good
  • July 2011Outstanding
  • December 2007Requires improvement

Frequently asked about St Catharine's Under Fives

About the setting

St Catharine's Under Fives registered in 1993. It operates from a church hall in Gloucester. The playgroup employs five members of staff, including an administrator. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The playgroup operates on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm, and on Tuesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm, during term times only. It provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

URN
101639
Registered person
St Catharine's Under Fives Committee
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Good

Nearby day nurseries in Gloucester

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to St Catharine's Under Fives.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more