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Nursery at St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Space, Superheroes and storytelling give this nursery its character: learning starts with themes children can imagine and interests they bring themselves. St Mary's has a 26-place nursery within its Catholic primary school on Tong Lane in Bacup. Children usually join in the half-term after their third birthday.
The nursery forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision. In April 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Three-hour sessions give the day a clear shape. The morning begins at 8.45am with registration and toast, ending at 11.45am; the afternoon runs from 12.15pm until 3.15pm. A separately bookable lunchtime session bridges the half-hour between them. This gives families a specific way to organise attendance around the nursery's morning and afternoon blocks.
EYFS combines learning to communicate, move and manage relationships with early reading, numbers, creativity and exploration of the world. Topics include Growing, Animals and The Circus, alongside Space, Toys and Superheroes. Children's interests also influence learning, so themes provide a starting point rather than the whole agenda. Books and stories are central to classroom activity.
Learning takes place outside as well as indoors. The school has spacious grounds for play and investigation, giving the nursery's outdoor activity a wider school setting. Creative work includes experimenting with materials, colour and texture, explaining how something was made, and using props to act out stories.
In April 2026, children in early years used the learning environment independently, while activities encouraged curiosity about the world. Phonics teaching gave them repeated practice with sounds and words. Adult interaction. Some conversations did not extend children's understanding sufficiently. Greater consistency in these exchanges was an early-years improvement priority, making the way adults develop children's ideas a useful focus during a visit.
The team includes a nursery class teacher, an EYFS lead and teaching assistants. Children in early years were well known to staff in April 2026, with help provided promptly when they needed support to keep pace. Communication and language support was effective: snack and chat gave children practice in listening to friends and waiting for their turn. Everyday conversation has a learning purpose here.
Toast is part of the morning routine. Early-years children also learn about cleanliness, health and personal safety, connecting care routines with growing independence.
For children identified with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school creates a Pupil Profile and an individual education plan. Teachers review these each term and meet parents to discuss progress. Referrals to outside specialists require parental permission, keeping families involved in decisions about additional help. Appointments with the SEND coordinator can be arranged through the office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Lancashire's online school-place application route. Treat that application as a distinct step, even when your child already attends St Mary's nursery.
For the September 2026 Reception intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past; its deadline should not be used for a later intake.
Both 15-hour and 30-hour provision are offered, with funded places for eligible parents. Paid places are also offered for families who are not eligible. A 15-hour attendance arrangement can be discussed with the nursery teacher and EYFS lead. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery uniform is optional, which gives families a choice about clothing for the day. To register a child or arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01706 873123 or email admin@stmarys.romerocat.com. Many parents register their interest when their child turns two, ahead of the usual nursery starting point.
Children are usually admitted in the half-term after they turn three. Many parents contact the school when their child turns two to register interest.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoon sessions from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. A lunchtime session from 11.45am to 12.15pm can also be booked.
The nursery offers 15-hour and 30-hour provision for eligible parents. Paid places are also offered for those who are not eligible.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through Lancashire's online school-place application route.
No. Nursery children are invited to wear school uniform, but it is optional.
