Bolton School Infant and Nursery School

A balance beam, children waiting their turn and adults encouraging another attempt: in October 2024, persistence and shared play gave Bolton School Infant and Nursery School its character. Practical independence mattered too, from babies washing their hands to older children serving snacks.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 14 October 2024 and judged safeguarding effective. On Chorley New Road in Bolton, it has 84 places in total; children attending at that visit were aged 0 to 4.

In October 2024, activities followed children's interests, with staff joining games and encouraging sounds and gestures. Children sustained their attention and practised playing together. The balance beam gave them a concrete challenge: attempt the crossing, wait for a friend and try again.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the October 2024 examples included learning through games, conversation and everyday tasks, rather than keeping those experiences separate.

Community connections also had a practical expression. In October 2024, links with the on-site school included a harvest festival assembly with Urban Outreach, where children contributed tinned food for homeless people. Giving something tangible made helping others part of their experience.

In October 2024, families contributed information about their children's abilities, helping staff plan learning. Parents received explanations before room moves, while conversations about visits to new schools helped children prepare for the next stage. Independence developed through ordinary routines: putting on shoes and coats, preparing snacks and managing handwashing.

At the October 2024 inspection, Ofsted found knowledgeable staff supporting special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), but uneven opportunities for these children to practise communication, and asked leaders to improve language support and check more carefully whether staff training changed practice. These were specific weaknesses within the Good judgement, with consequences for how consistently children experienced the planned learning.

The address is Bolton School Infant and Nursery, Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4PA. In October 2024, opening hours ran from 7.30am until 6pm on weekdays, with year-round operation apart from a Christmas closure. Government-funded childcare was offered at that time.

The nursery's October 2024 links with the on-site school supported transition activities. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Communication support. October 2024 findings identified uneven language opportunities for children with SEND. Ask how staff now adapt conversation and activities for a child needing additional communication support.
• Consistency of practice. In October 2024, leaders were not checking training's effect thoroughly enough. The important distinction is between planning an accessible activity and staff delivering it consistently.
• School transition. The October 2024 harvest festival link provided a shared experience with the on-site school. Treat that connection as transition support, with Reception admission a separate decision.

For families who value practical independence and learning through shared activity, the October 2024 picture has clear appeal. Children tackled physical challenges, contributed to a food donation and practised everyday self-care. The Good judgement also carried two meaningful cautions: communication support for children with SEND and consistent implementation of staff training. Those deserve weight alongside the positive daily experiences.