Thomasson Memorial School Nursery

Communication shapes the nursery experience at Thomasson Memorial: spoken language and signing give children different ways to take part in learning. The provision sits within the school’s primary section, at Lever Edge Lane in Bolton. Its early years work includes two- and three-year-olds; in March 2024, the school also provided nursery education for hearing children aged three to four. That distinction matters for families considering the provision alongside its specialist education for deaf children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum follows children’s interests while covering seven areas of learning. In parent terms, communication sits alongside physical development, relationships, early literacy and maths, creative work and understanding the world. The summer 2024 nursery plan illustrates these areas through stories, physical play and creative activities.

The nursery’s summer 2024 plan for Bees Class gives a concrete picture. Children heard stories through speech and signing, sang songs and practised retelling familiar tales. Friendship and resolving problems were learning topics too. Communication was woven into both learning and getting along with other children.

Physical activities included bike riding, digging and moving to music. Painting, threading and using scissors gave children opportunities to practise smaller hand movements. The same plan included outdoor time, exploring plant and animal life cycles, and making marks as an early step towards writing. This was learning through movement, materials and conversation.

There is an inspection caveat to keep alongside that picture: the March 2024 inspection identified weaknesses across a small number of school subjects in specifying essential knowledge and checking learning, leaving some gaps insufficiently addressed. These were school-level concerns, rather than findings expressly attributed to the nursery.

In March 2024, Ofsted found that support addressed the needs of the youngest children, including those aged two and three, and that communication approaches helped early years children engage with learning and make their own choices. Staff had experience and expertise in educating deaf pupils. The practical significance is clear: communication support helps children express what they need as well as participate in activities.

Two NHS speech and language therapists are based at the school. For children referred to the team, assessment begins with gathering their history and meeting them directly. Parents receive information through reports, advice, calls or face-to-face conversations, giving them ways to support communication at home.

Everyday contact matters too. The summer 2024 nursery guidance encouraged messages through Dojo, with urgent matters handled by telephone. School meal arrangements offer a packed lunch or a meal from Bolton Council’s catering service; the latter is a charged option.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the appropriate admissions process and meet its deadline.

For Thomasson, the prospectus directs families considering Reception to their own local authority’s admissions team. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate decisions, rather than assuming that continuing at the school happens automatically.

Morning nursery sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon option runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. These give families two distinct session windows to consider when planning their day.

Nursery uniform includes a red jumper. The summer 2024 guidance also requested spare clothes, with a named sun hat and sunscreen applied before school during warmer weather. To enquire or arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01204 333118 or email office@thomasson.bolton.sch.uk.