Welcome to St Joseph’s
Preschool
Supporting, Educating and Caring for Derby’s little learners for over 30 years.
St Joseph’s Preschool has been established for over 30 years and educates, supports and cares for children in and around Derby. We are situated in the grounds of St Joseph’s Catholic Academy on Mill Hill Lane, Derby. We are open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm during school term times only.
We provide childcare and education for 2, 3 and 4 year old children. We can offer 15 and 30 hours Early Years funding and have a flexible, family focused approach to providing childcare. Our Admissions Policy gives priority to Catholic children, however, we welcome applications from families of all faiths and none.
We are a registered charity (no. 1153598) and are governed by a Board of Trustees who oversee all aspects of our operation. Our latest Ofsted inspection rated us Good in all areas.
Who We Are
Our preschool aims to support the development of well motivated and confident children. We recognise that each child has unique talents, learning styles and personalities. Our highly qualified staff support children to become happy, active learners in a caring and stimulating environment.
Our well resourced indoor and outdoor spaces provide plenty of opportunities to explore and learn through a variety of child and adult led activities.
We specialise in early language development and are a nationally accredited Elkan and OCN London Communication Friendly Setting. All our staff have experience of supporting children with English as an additional language.
Partnership with parents is important to us and at every stage of your child’s time at preschool, we will work with you and your family to support their learning and development. We have small key person groups enabling a close, friendly relationship with children and their families. Parents are welcomed into preschool to take an active role in their child’s experiences.
We are a welcoming setting and would be happy to show you around and hear all about your child. Please contact us to arrange a visit. We look forward to meeting your family.
Why Choose Us?
Highly Qualified Staff
Our experienced team tailors care and learning to your child’s needs.
Warm & Stimulating Environment
A secure, well resourced setting with indoor and outdoor play areas.
Specialising in Communication
We are an accredited Communication Friendly Setting.
Strong Parent Partnerships
We welcome parent involvement and build strong key person relationships.
OFSTED Rated ‘Good’
Quality assured in all areas, guided by the EYFS curriculum.
What they say about us
EXCELLENT Based on 9 reviews Rosie Hale2025-07-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I truly have only positive words to say about this pre school. They go above and beyond for every child and are so supportive for the parents too. My son has special needs and his previous 2 nurseries just didn't mesh well with him. However in 2023 he started at St joseph's and they meshed stright away the staff are wonderful management truly amazing. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone. Thank you for all the amazing things you do keep up the amazing work. Katarzyna Peplińska2025-05-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place and very nice staff Denisa Tofalvi2025-05-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t be happier with our experience at St. Joseph’s Pre-School! The staff are incredibly kind, dedicated, and passionate about what they do. Our child has grown so much academically and socially since starting here — every day is filled with learning, creativity, and joy. The environment is warm, welcoming, and beautifully maintained, and the values-based approach really shines through in the children’s behavior and confidence. The only (very minor) downside is that parents need to provide a packed lunch daily, which adds a bit to the morning routine — but honestly, it’s a small trade-off for the outstanding care and education our child receives. Highly recommend St. Joseph’s to any parent looking for a nurturing, enriching start to their child’s learning journey Justyna Dzieciolowska2025-05-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful place the staff is AMAZING and very helpful.. My children feel comfortable and safe there. Ngozika Iwuji2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The perfect preschool for your toddler.The teachers and environment are just top notch. Uden Lepcha2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We feel confident leaving our child at St Joseph’s Pre School knowing he will be well looked after for the day. Teachers are so good with him and he even talks about the teachers when he gets home. I would highly recommend St Joseph’s Pre School it will give your child a good foundation to progress successfully onto big school . We cannot thank the teachers enough for all the great work they have done with both our boys . Marie Smyth2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My youngest 3 babies have attended this nursery and I wouldn't have them at any other nursery. The staff are so friendly and kind. The setting is well laid out and has just about anything a child would enjoy Harry Barker2025-04-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. St Joseph’s preschool have been excellent with my twin boys. They both have ASD and are non verbal and the staff have been so patient and kind and have really helped my children progress. In the two years they have been coming to the preschool they have gained much more confidence and learnt lots of new skills. The boys love their time there and look forward to going every day. Even with their additional needs the boys have always been supported, included and accommodated