Leigh St Thomas Preschool

Language, independence and emotional development give Leigh St Thomas Preschool its clearest character. Its June 2026 assessment distinguishes strengths in care and inclusion from further work on teaching and staff development.

At its 2 June 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard for achievement, inclusion, children’s welfare and wellbeing, and behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; curriculum and teaching and leadership and governance received Expected standard, while safeguarding standards were met. These are separate judgements, rather than a single overall grade.

In June 2026, the child-led curriculum emphasised communication, emotional and social development, and doing things independently. The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children’s learning, development and care: here, practical exploration included testing which objects float, drawing from observation and early writing. Staff demonstrated activities before children tried them, then used questions and repetition to revisit learning.

Physical play had a substantial place in the day. In June 2026, children used an outdoor obstacle course to practise balancing, while sensory spaces supported work on recognising feelings and calming themselves. Group activities sat alongside opportunities to pursue their own interests. This gave children different ways to participate, from talking together to investigating through play.

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that personalised support helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make progress, with prompt identification, referrals and cooperation between families and other professionals supporting their learning.

In June 2026, staff gathered detailed information from parents during an extended settling period. Picture cards helped children communicate feelings and wishes while their spoken language was developing. Staff also worked with families to address obstacles to attendance, making continuity part of their support.

Everyday routines gave children practical responsibilities. In June 2026, they poured drinks, collected crockery and helped serve food; toothbrushing activities introduced oral health. Communication with parents covered children’s experiences and ways to continue learning at home. Cooperation with nearby school staff supported preparation for the next stage, rather than implying an admissions advantage.

The address is Leigh St Thomas Preschool Ltd, Widdows Street, Leigh, WN7 2BJ. There are 44 places in total; that is whole-setting capacity, rather than the size of a daily group.

In June 2026, opening hours were 07:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday, and children attending were aged two to four. Those hours describe the opening window at that time, rather than a particular session package.

• Staff development. In June 2026, further training to extend practitioners’ curriculum skills was still being developed. Ask how targeted coaching now shapes activities for children with different starting points.
• Settling and communication. The June 2026 approach combined an extended settling period with detailed conversations about each child. Discuss how this would work for your child, including any communication needs.
• Attendance arrangements. The June 2026 opening window ran from 07:30 to 17:30 on weekdays. Which current booking pattern would fit your family’s routine?

Leigh St Thomas Preschool suits families who place language development, individual support and growing independence high on their priorities. Its June 2026 strengths were substantial, but curriculum development and staff training remained part of the work ahead. The most useful distinction is between the strong care and inclusion judgements and the expected standard reached in teaching and leadership.