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Nursery at Blackburn St Thomas' Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A nursery reading area and World Book Day celebrations give stories a visible place in early childhood at Blackburn St Thomas'. This is the nursery within Blackburn St Thomas' Church of England Primary School, on Newton Street in Blackburn, and it forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision.
The school describes a Christian ethos that values children across faiths and backgrounds. For families, that establishes the setting's religious character alongside its intention to include each child.
Books provide a concrete starting point for understanding the learning here. Nursery children have a reading area, and World Book Day has been celebrated in nursery. In February 2024, Ofsted found that early-years children took pleasure in picture books alongside adults and other children. Reading is a shared activity, giving children opportunities to talk about stories together.
The EYFS provides the framework for children's learning and development. Birth to 5 Matters sits alongside it as guidance rather than a statutory requirement. The nursery emphasises that development follows individual patterns and speeds: milestones describe typical development rather than a timetable each child must meet. That is a useful distinction for parents comparing progress.
Phonics is part of daily Foundation Stage practice, using Letter and Sounds materials to support the beginnings of reading and writing. Parent support also includes Path Towards Handwriting and home-learning support materials, connecting early learning with what families can do together.
Within the wider school grounds, Willows Woods has an outdoor classroom, paths and a firepit. Hand-carved figures inspired by The Wind in the Willows line the route to the classroom circle. School Forest School activities include shelter building and learning to recognise and care for nature.
Preparation for starting nursery includes an Early Years Induction Video and a Nursery Setting Video. These give families an introduction to the setting before their child's start. Nursery updates are shared through class newsletters; school letters use the Parent Pay APP.
Support for families includes a bilingual Family Support Worker and a full-time Pupil Wellbeing Coordinator, who also holds the school's designated safeguarding role. Their work covers parenting, relationships, housing and health, so family support extends beyond classroom learning. The school SENCo can be contacted on 01254 54706, extension 2.
School catering is provided by Dolce, with provision for allergies and other dietary requirements. The school menu includes a vegetarian main-course option, bread and a salad bar, with fruit and dessert each day. These are school catering arrangements, rather than a separate description of nursery snack routines.
Separate application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process by the normal deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision from choosing nursery.
The nursery's contact address is Newton Street, Blackburn, BB1 1NE. Enquiries can go to the school office on 01254 54706 or office@stthomasce.blackburn.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged through the office, giving families a direct way to see the setting before making their choice.
No. Families need to make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the normal deadline.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with Birth to 5 Matters alongside it as non-statutory guidance.
There is a nursery reading area, and nursery children have celebrated World Book Day. In February 2024, early-years children enjoyed sharing picture books with adults and peers.
Contact the school office on 01254 54706 or email office@stthomasce.blackburn.sch.uk.
An Early Years Induction Video and a Nursery Setting Video introduce families to the setting. Preparation and home-learning support materials are also offered.
