St Ethelbert's Roman Catholic Primary School Nursery

Faith, learning and care give this nursery its school context. The nursery belongs to St Ethelbert's Roman Catholic Primary School in Deane, Bolton, a Catholic school in Salford's diocese and part of the academy trust named for St Teresa of Calcutta. The school describes its mission through learning together, caring for neighbours and sharing Christian faith. For families, that makes the religious character part of the choice from the outset.

The trust's early years curriculum combines the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with Development Matters. These provide the framework for early learning; language and vocabulary are explicit priorities from EYFS onwards. For a nursery child, the emphasis is on the foundations of communication rather than simply preparing for later school subjects.

Reading has concrete expression across the trust's schools: adults read aloud, and children have book corners and class libraries. These features give books a place in everyday learning, with opportunities to hear language as well as encounter stories. They are trust-wide curriculum features, rather than a description of a particular nursery room.

Catholic faith also shapes the curriculum's purpose. The trust expects opportunities for worship and celebration, and expects schools to adapt curriculum planning to their local communities. Its stated aim combines knowledge with character and confidence. This places early learning within a wider religious and social context.

Inclusion forms part of the trust's curriculum expectations. These cover children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), children learning English as an additional language and those experiencing disadvantage. Teaching adaptations, adult modelling and support for independence are identified approaches. For parents, the relevant emphasis is access to learning alongside other children.

A SEND Professional Learning Network brings together SENCOs and headteachers across the trust. Its professional development has addressed SEND responsibilities, law and funding, giving school leaders a forum for considering the obligations behind support.

Food sits within a central Catering Team's remit. The trust says this team develops menus with schools and aims to encourage balanced eating. This is a trust-level service, rather than a nursery meal arrangement.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child's move into school.

The St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust is the admissions authority, while the relevant local authority coordinates applications. Families use their home local authority's admissions process; for Bolton residents, that means Bolton. Admission decisions are taken by the school's Local Governing Body. These different responsibilities matter: attending nursery and applying for Reception are separate arrangements.

The school is on Melbourne Road, Deane, Bolton, BL3 5RL. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01204 333036 or email office@stethelberts.stoccat.org.uk. This gives families a direct school contact as they consider a nursery place.