St Thomas CofE Primary School Nursery

Familiar activities and clear routines give this nursery its shape. At St Thomas CofE Primary School in Westhoughton, play and exploration sit alongside a deliberate focus on helping children become confident enough to join in. This is the school's own Nursery class, with capacity for 30 full-time equivalent places, rather than a separate childcare setting.

Children normally join in the autumn before turning four. Admission after a third birthday is also possible when spaces allow, with priority given to children turning four during the academic year. Ofsted's report dated 19 May 2026 assessed early years at the Expected standard; that judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than grading Nursery separately.

Play provides the starting point. Exploration and meaningful experiences form the Nursery's stated approach, while its curriculum puts children's readiness to participate alongside their growing confidence. The curriculum helps children settle, grow in confidence and join activities.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about relationships, language, movement and the wider world with early literacy, mathematics and creative expression. For parents, this means the curriculum extends beyond letters and numbers: communication and getting along with others are learning priorities too. Letters and Sounds is named as the foundation for phonics in the EYFS curriculum.

In May 2026, Nursery children were settling promptly and getting started with activities they recognised. Adults explain expectations and help children learn the routines. That gives a session a predictable beginning, with familiar things to do rather than an entirely new set of demands each morning.

Relationships support that routine. In the May 2026 early years findings, staff formed reassuring bonds with children, helping them feel comfortable and secure. The Nursery has a class teacher and supporting adults, giving families a classroom team to get to know.

Before a September start, new Nursery parents have a meeting near the end of the summer term to discuss how starting will work. This gives families an introduction to the process before their child begins.

The school's accessibility policy includes adapting teaching, using resources children can see and handle, and discussing disability or medical needs with parents during initial contact. Main entrances have level wheelchair access, although two sets of internal steps restrict access in parts of the building. Families with mobility needs should take that layout into account when arranging a visit.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the Reception oversubscription criteria. Families must apply separately through Bolton Council's common application process by the council's closing date. The admission arrangements also require children moving from Nursery to return the school's supplementary form by that deadline.

Preparation is a separate matter. School visits are arranged in the summer before September entry, and new parents have a meeting explaining the starting process. These familiarisation arrangements do not change how places are allocated.

Morning Nursery runs from 8.40am to 11.40am; the afternoon runs from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Between them, Nursery Lunch Bunch Club runs from 11.40am to 12.20pm. These are distinct parts of the timetable, so families should consider the session boundaries when planning collection.

Governors decide the allocation of full-time and part-time places each year according to applications. Prospective parents can arrange a visit through the school. For enquiries, telephone 01942 634666 or email office@st-thomas.bolton.sch.uk.