St Matthew's CofE Primary School, Bolton: Nursery Review

Two three-hour sessions give St Matthew’s nursery a clear rhythm: an early morning start or an afternoon finish. This is the school’s own provision for children from age three, on Kentford Road in Bolton, within its Foundation Stage. A nursery teacher works alongside teaching assistants, with paediatric first-aid roles listed across the nursery team.

Language and practical number work give the early years provision its character. In March 2023, Ofsted found that adults developed children’s vocabulary throughout their learning, while hands-on mathematical activities supported strong progress. One example involved searching a sandpit for hidden shapes and numbers, then sorting the discoveries. Play had a clear learning purpose.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, developing early mathematical understanding and gaining physical control. Here, the early years phase is called Explorers within Learning Means the World. Its themes connect culture and conservation with communication and conflict; the curriculum aims include following children’s interests, asking questions and solving problems. The emphasis is on children taking an active part in learning.

Number work also extends into ordinary routines. Early years staff use registration, lining up and snack time as opportunities for maths, alongside provision inside and outside. Physical learning spans both environments too, with activities intended to develop controlled movement and careful use of equipment and tools. For a young child, these are opportunities to practise thinking and movement together.

Getting used to school routines is part of the early years work. In March 2023, staff helped children settle quickly into the expectations and patterns of school life. That gives the start of nursery a practical focus: becoming familiar with how the session works.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school’s support framework includes individual adaptations and additional adult help according to need. Communication support can involve Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), communication boards and Picture Exchange Cards (PECS). Toileting support plans and intimate care also appear within its provision for sensory or physical needs. These are school-wide arrangements, so their relevance depends on the individual child.

Parents receive progress updates at regular points during the year within the SEND framework. Safeguarding responsibilities sit with designated leads, and adults across the school receive annual training. Families have an office contact route for raising questions or concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process, using Bolton Council’s admissions route and meeting the deadline for their intake.

The school’s listed allocation criteria do not include nursery attendance as a priority. They cover care and vulnerability, sibling links, church connections, medical circumstances and journeys to alternative schools. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience, with the Reception application treated separately.

Morning Nursery runs from 8.30am to 11.30am. Afternoon Nursery begins with registration at 12.15pm and finishes at 3.15pm. Each occupies three hours, giving families specific start and collection points around which to organise the day.

Nursery children are expected to wear a school jumper or cardigan. The uniform guidance allows a navy blue version bought from a supermarket, giving parents another purchasing option alongside schoolwear suppliers.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01204 333005, email office@st-matthews-primary.uk or use the online enquiry form. The contact page promises an initial response within 24 hours from Monday to Friday, which may be an acknowledgement while the query is being considered.