Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Chorley: Nursery Review

An early years curriculum with breadth, and a clear question about how its learning builds towards later lessons: these are the defining features of the nursery picture at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Chorley. The nursery forms part of this Catholic primary school on Brooke Street.

In February 2023, children in the early years studied a broad curriculum, with ambitious content that included children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). That gives families two useful points to consider together: the breadth of learning offered and how activities are adapted to a child's needs.

Learning involves practising and revisiting knowledge. In February 2023, staff used challenging activities and clear explanations to help children extend what they understood. Their organisation of learning spaces and resources supported children's engagement, making the environment part of the teaching rather than simply a backdrop.

Reading brought a more specific example. Books and teaching materials were matched to the sounds children were studying, while checks on phonics knowledge helped staff identify where additional help was needed. This connects the resources a child uses with the next step in their learning. Assessment also helped staff recognise gaps in children's wider knowledge and provide support.

Curriculum sequencing. The February 2023 inspection identified insufficient precision about the knowledge children should acquire in some early years subjects. Learning in those areas did not connect closely enough with the curriculum that followed, leaving some children less prepared for Key Stage 1. The required improvement was to make that knowledge explicit throughout the early years curriculum. For families, the issue is how individual activities build towards later learning, alongside the breadth of experiences offered.

Additional needs received individual consideration in February 2023. Leaders considered how those needs affected children's learning, social development and personal development, then designed support around them. Specialist partners contributed expertise. The practical significance is support shaped around a child's particular needs, with outside input supplementing what staff provide.

Personal development also included teaching about relationships, health and safety at a level suited to children's ages. These lessons connect learning with everyday decisions and interactions, giving care a place within the curriculum itself.

Children were taught how to keep safe in February 2023. This provides a concrete example of safety education within their learning, alongside the personal development content about health and relationships.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a place in the school's Reception class. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

The school is on Brooke Street, Chorley, PR6 0LB. Its telephone number is 01257262659. These contact details provide a direct route for a nursery enquiry.