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Nursery at St James CofE Primary School, Farnworth
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and an early start shape the nursery provision at St James, where education begins with two-year-olds. The nursery belongs to the Church of England primary school in Farnworth, with Little Saints also forming part of its early years team. This places younger children within a school setting from the beginning of their education.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding on 15 and 16 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The EYFS approach gives play and conversation a clear purpose: children develop understanding, practise skills and explore ideas through different experiences. St James treats the areas of early learning as connected, rather than teaching each in isolation. For parents, the emphasis is on children taking an active part in learning, with adults helping them develop what they can do.
Seasonal celebrations include nursery children of every faith. These bring a shared element to the curriculum while including families with different beliefs. The school also encourages thinking and problem-solving, aiming to build children's confidence and independence as learners.
In October 2024, early years teaching connected activities to intended learning with exceptional precision. Children cooperated with each other and followed familiar routines, and their behaviour was exceptionally positive. That combination gives learning a purposeful structure while children practise being part of a group.
Settling was a strength in October 2024: children in early years adjusted quickly to school life. St James aims to work with parents as partners, drawing on their knowledge of their child alongside information from previous childcare settings and other professionals, including health visitors. That gives families a role in shaping the adults' understanding of a child's starting point.
Qualified practitioners support active learning. Little Saints has room management and key worker roles, while the wider early years leadership includes an Early Years Lead. These are distinct responsibilities within the team.
Support for additional needs begins early. In October 2024, staff expertise included working with two-year-olds, helping adults recognise SEND and provide effective help promptly. Families can contact the SENDCo through the school office, giving them a direct route to discuss concerns about their child's needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process, and attendance confers no priority under the arrangements for the September 2026 intake.
For that intake, Bolton Council coordinated applications using the local authority's common application form. The closing month was January 2026, so that deadline has passed. Nursery participation and Reception allocation are separate decisions: choosing the nursery should not be treated as securing the next school place.
The school office handles enquiries. Contact it on 01204 572587 or email office@st-james-farnworth.bolton.sch.uk. St James is on Hillside Avenue in Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 9QB. This provides a single contact point for families considering its nursery provision.
Yes. The school provides educational provision for two-year-old children.
The school's early years provision was judged Outstanding at the inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. This was a school early years judgement, not a separate nursery rating.
No. Reception requires a separate application. Nursery attendance confers no priority under the September 2026 admission arrangements.
Contact the SENDCo through the school office. Early years staff were found to identify and support children's additional needs effectively in October 2024.
Contact the school office on 01204 572587 or email office@st-james-farnworth.bolton.sch.uk.
