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Nursery at St Bede Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conversation gives St Bede’s early years provision its clearest character: adults help children develop their language and extend their vocabulary. This is the school nursery at St Bede Academy on Morris Green Lane, Bolton, serving children aged three and four within a Church of England primary school. Part-time and full-time attendance are options.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the October 2023 inspection. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The school describes its early years philosophy as child-centred. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning about relationships and emotions with physical development and communication, alongside mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, the emphasis is broader than preparation for reading: talking, moving and learning to relate to others also count.
In October 2023, adults used skilful exchanges with children to build language and vocabulary. This gives everyday conversation a teaching purpose. Learning was planned to develop progressively from the early years onwards, although curriculum delivery and checks on understanding were uneven in a small number of subjects across the school. Those concerns should sit alongside the positive early years judgement.
Stay-and-play sessions help early years children become familiar with the setting before starting. Additional needs can be discussed beforehand, with a meeting arranged where appropriate to agree provision and address parents’ concerns. Settling therefore includes an opportunity to share information about the child, rather than relying only on the first session.
Support is organised around an assess, plan, do and review process. From September 2026, help for children with an Education, Health and Care Plan follows the hours and provision specified in that plan, potentially combining individual help, group work and targeted interventions delivered by several adults. Families should understand this team structure when considering their child’s support.
The Inclusion Team brings together medical, pastoral, safeguarding, behaviour and SEND staff. Queries in these areas go to inclusion@stbedeacademy.org; concerns about the September 2026 support arrangements go to parents@stbedeacademy.org. The school has wheelchair access in some areas and a toilet adapted for disabled pupils in the hall block.
Lunches are charged for nursery children. Families must tell the kitchen about allergies and arrange alternatives beforehand, making dietary planning part of preparing for attendance. My Child At School (MCAS) gives parents access to letters and reports, messages and appointment booking.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application: for September 2027 entry, apply through Bolton Council’s Citizen’s Portal by 15 January.
Attendance does confer oversubscription priority, but its position depends on the intake. For 2026/27, children attending St Bede Nursery or Baby Bede Nursery fall under criterion nine. For 2027/28, attendance at either nursery falls under criterion six, after the looked-after children, faith and sibling categories. This is a place in the priority order, not an assurance of admission.
Transition support is separate from allocation. At the end of the summer term, children meet their next teacher during transition days, while staff pass on progress information and other details. Familiarity supports the move; it does not replace the application.
For 2027/28, extended sessions can include a full day within school hours. The funding structure provides 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds, increasing to up to 30 for eligible families. Funding begins in the term following the third birthday, subject to a successful eligibility check before that term starts. Charges apply beyond the allocated 15 hours where additional funding does not apply; contact the school for current charges.
Registration of Interest forms are obtained from the school office, and enquiries go to the Head of Admissions on 01204 61899. Nursery uniform includes a light blue polo with navy joggers and a navy jumper or cardigan. Wellington boots and waterproof clothing stay in a labelled bag on the child’s peg. Around collection and drop-off, families must avoid driving or parking on the backstreet outside the main gates.
The school nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds, with part-time and full-time options.
No. Nursery attendance has oversubscription priority, but families still need a separate Reception application. For September 2027 entry, use Bolton Council’s Citizen’s Portal by 15 January.
Early years children are invited to stay-and-play sessions. Where appropriate, families can meet staff before starting to discuss additional needs and provision.
For 2027/28, the funding structure provides 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds, with up to 30 hours for eligible families. Funding starts in the term after the third birthday, subject to a successful eligibility check before the term begins.
Contact the Head of Admissions on 01204 61899. A Registration of Interest form can be obtained from the school office.
