Chorley St James' Church of England Primary School Nursery

Words and stories give this nursery its clearest character. In June 2023, early language teaching at Chorley St James' helped children expand their vocabulary and communicate with others, making conversation part of learning from the start. The nursery serves children aged 3 and 4 within the Church of England primary school on Devonport Way, Chorley.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language development carries real weight here. In June 2023, early years staff provided skilled help for children who entered Nursery using relatively few words. The emphasis was on extending vocabulary both for learning and for talking with other people. For parents, that makes communication a concrete teaching priority rather than simply an expected milestone.

At the June 2023 inspection, early years children regularly had books read aloud to them. Sounds-Write is the named phonics programme used from Early Years onwards. It teaches the connections between letters and sounds, giving children a structured introduction to how written language works.

During 2022/23, Reading Rhino brought reading into family life. Nursery book reviews included The Gruffalo, The Rainbow Fish and We're Going on a Bear Hunt. One family described reading with Reading Rhino each night during their turn. These examples show children enjoying pictures, remembering stories and joining in with familiar words, alongside the more deliberate work on language.

Predictable routines supported children's social experience in June 2023. Children in early years behaved exceptionally well and worked peacefully together. For a young child learning to share a group setting, knowing the routines offers a clear framework for spending time with others.

Families can contact the school's special educational needs co-ordinator through the school office. This gives parents a direct route for discussing additional needs. During 2022/23, @StJamesNur also provided daily glimpses of nursery activities, helping families connect with what children were doing.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through the normal online route, with applications processed by Lancashire Education Authority. The application window runs from September until January. A supplementary form is also required because St James' is a voluntary aided church school; it must reach the school office by the end of January.

Learning continuity is a separate matter. In June 2023, the curriculum connected Nursery learning with what followed in Reception. That supports a planned sequence of learning, but it should not be mistaken for an admissions entitlement.

During 2022/23, the nursery offered 15 funded hours for all children from the term following their third birthday, with up to 30 hours for eligible children. Breakfast Club and Planet After School Club also provided wraparound care, adding flexibility for working families.

For nursery enquiries, telephone the school office on 01257 264 638. This is the direct contact route for families considering the provision.