St Richard's Out of School Club

In March 2024, conversation, imaginative play and a partnership with the on-site primary school shaped St Richard's Out of School Club's early-years provision. Despite its name, it then provided nursery education, with children exploring ideas through play and discussion.

At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received effective support. The setting has capacity for 27 children; the age range at that visit was 2 to 11.

In March 2024, communication and language shaped the curriculum. During doll play, staff added words and conversation to children's ideas, giving them opportunities to practise longer exchanges. A bee in the garden prompted discussion about pollen. Everyday discoveries became material for learning.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the March 2024 account included imaginative play, conversation and outdoor activity as parts of children's learning day.

Community contact extended beyond the nursery. In March 2024, children visited a local residential care home with gifts they had made, including biscuits for Valentine's Day. This gave them direct experience of spending time with older people.

In March 2024, a familiar key member of staff helped children settle, while songs and conversation introduced the day. Children had helped shape behaviour rules about kindness and helping one another, making expectations concrete rather than abstract.

Communication support included symbols, and staff worked with outside specialists to arrange additional help. In March 2024, outdoor activity formed part of the day, alongside meals and snacks provided by the nursery.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted identified three priorities: training better matched to staff needs, more consistent teaching through the chosen books, and more opportunities for children to manage tasks independently. Some adults intervened too readily with fruit peeling and coats, reducing children's chances to practise.

The address is St Richards Catholic Primary School, Sandy Lane, Skelmersdale, WN8 8LQ.

In March 2024, opening hours were 7.45am to 5.30pm on weekdays during term time. The nursery then received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

The nursery shares its site with the primary school and had an active partnership with it in March 2024. Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Books and independence. The March 2024 improvement priorities concerned regular access to stories and opportunities to tackle everyday tasks. During a visit, ask how staff now build these into the day.
• Term-time planning. The March 2024 opening pattern followed school terms. What attendance arrangements and holiday coverage would fit your family's working week?

For families seeking early-years care on a primary-school site, this setting merits consideration. Its March 2024 strengths lay in conversation, relationships and community contact. The balance is clear: engaging everyday experiences, alongside specific work needed on literacy teaching, staff development and children's independence.