St John the Baptist, Padiham: Nursery Review

A nursery with its own front doors and a timetable distinct from the main school gives younger children a separate daily rhythm at St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Primary School, Padiham. It remains the school's own provision, within a Catholic primary on St John's Road. For parents, the practical distinction matters: nursery collection follows its own arrangements.

Confidence in speaking is a clear early-years emphasis. In March 2023, staff encouraged children to express themselves and develop confidence as learners. Learning was planned to build on earlier knowledge, with thought given to how the early years prepared children for later learning. The implication is a focus on what children can understand and communicate, alongside preparation for their next stage.

Earlier nursery activities give concrete examples of the learning involved. In 2019–2020, these included songs and rhymes, stories, imaginative activities and outdoor play, alongside mathematics and communication. These are historical examples, rather than a current session timetable, but they illustrate learning through language, movement and creativity.

The 2020–2021 nursery home-learning activities also addressed physical development, language, personal and social skills, literacy, mathematics and understanding the world. In plain parent language, that means attention to talking, moving, relationships and early learning across several areas. An EYFS yard was included in nursery updating work in February 2011, providing a specific outdoor feature in the provision's history.

Respectful relationships extend to the youngest children. In March 2023, children in the early years were courteous towards others and enjoyed attending school. That matters for a child's first experience of learning alongside a group: interactions with adults and other children form part of the experience.

Families can also use emotional wellbeing resources shared by the school, including Everybody Worries and Lucy's Blue Day. The activities include drawing feelings and a video about sadness being an acceptable emotion. These give parents concrete starting points for conversations about feelings at home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline.

For entry in September 2027, the route is an online school admissions application, together with a Supplementary Information Form. The school also requires a child's birth certificate, baptism certificate and a recent utility bill showing the current address. Treat this as a separate family task: attending nursery is not a substitute for completing the Reception application and supplying the required documents.

Morning nursery doors open at 8.45am, with collection by 11.45am for children attending mornings only. Afternoon provision ends at 3.15pm; the nursery door opens from 3.00pm for collection. Children use the nursery doors at the front of the school for both entry and departure. Plan collection around these nursery arrangements.

For enquiries, contact the school office on 01282 771146 or email office@st-john.lancs.sch.uk. School tours can be arranged by telephone appointment, giving families a direct way to see the school before making their choice.