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Nursery at St Paul's CofE Primary School, Astley Bridge
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Balanceability, woodland exploration and stories give the early years at St Paul's a distinct mix of movement, discovery and language. There are two nursery strands within the primary school: Little Saints takes two-year-olds, while Nursery caters for children aged three and four. Little Saints has up to 24 places. Both strands offer full-time and part-time attendance, giving families a choice of commitment.
Early years provision was graded Outstanding at the Ofsted inspection on 22 and 23 October 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery-specific findings give it substance: stories and rhymes helped children, including the youngest group, develop vocabulary and awareness of sounds.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Its seven areas bring together early number work and literacy, language, movement, emotional and social development, creativity, and learning about the world. Activities are planned around individual needs. For parents, this means the learning extends beyond preparation for reading: physical confidence and relationships are part of the curriculum too.
Outdoor activity has tangible space. Children can move freely into a large outdoor area, practising movements that involve both whole-body coordination and smaller, controlled actions. Key workers join their play and demonstrate skills. Balanceability introduces bike riding, and the school aims for children to ride a pedal bike by the end of early years. From age three, children also have the opportunity to start swimming through intensive lessons with Elite Swimming in a pool on the school playground.
The Wild Wood adds woodland experiences throughout the year. Children explore nature, try tools and work together on problems, supported by a team that includes a Level 3 Forest School leader. Creative work takes other forms: early years children experiment with materials, make marks and practise joining things together. These are concrete ways to explore ideas through making.
Language runs through the day. In October 2024, nursery children were building vocabulary and recognising sounds through rhymes and stories. A Communication Champion supports speech and language work across the setting. There is also a weekly music lesson for early years pupils, taught by a specialist primary music teacher.
Children in early years settled quickly in October 2024. Alongside that finding, the practical support includes key workers who play with children and help them attempt unfamiliar physical skills. Seesaw connects home and school from Little Saints onwards, sharing learning and providing a communication channel for parents.
Additional needs have an early years lead. A dedicated Early Years SENDCo works with families and healthcare providers on identifying needs and arranging support. The team also includes a Dental Champion, with Brush Bus forming part of its oral-health work. Fortnightly Dots Mindfulness sessions for early years pupils introduce activities about emotions, awareness and connection, which class teachers then revisit.
School meals are supplied by Bolton Council. Families can contact the office about its free school meal eligibility checker; eligibility needs to be established rather than assumed.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Bolton Council coordinates primary admissions, so the nursery enquiry and the Reception application are distinct steps.
The learning preparation is a separate matter. In October 2024, nursery stories and rhymes were helping children develop the vocabulary and sound awareness needed before phonics. That preparation does not secure admission.
Full-time and part-time places sit alongside funded and paid provision. For three- and four-year-olds, the school offers the universal 15-hour entitlement and the extended 30-hour entitlement for working parents. Little Saints also offers eligible two-year-olds a 15-hour funded place, with eligibility checking through the school office.
For nursery enquiries, call 01204 333741 or email spaoffice@spa.fa1.uk. Ask the school for current charges before agreeing to a paid place.
Little Saints caters for two-year-olds. Nursery takes three- and four-year-olds.
Early years children have free-flow access to a large outdoor area and regular access to The Wild Wood. Balanceability introduces bike riding, and swimming opportunities begin from age three.
Seesaw is used from Little Saints onwards to communicate between home and school and share children's learning.
Yes. Provision includes eligible two-year-old 15-hour places, the universal 15-hour entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, and the extended 30-hour entitlement for working parents of three- and four-year-olds.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal route. Bolton Council coordinates primary admissions.
