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Nursery at St Mary's Catholic Primary School and Nursery, Chorley
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Songs, stories and conversation give St Mary's nursery its clearest character: an early start built around language. The provision caters for three- and four-year-olds within St Mary's Catholic Primary School and Nursery in Chorley, on Hornchurch Drive. It is the school's own nursery, with a nursery manager and an apprentice among the staff roles.
In January 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the expected standard. That judgement covers Nursery and Reception together; it is not a separate nursery rating. Language development is a strength, while opportunities to practise writing need attention.
Conversation does real teaching work here. In January 2026, staff interactions helped children understand more and confidently use new vocabulary. Songs and rhymes sit alongside stories, giving children several ways to hear and explore language. For a young child, that means learning extends beyond recognising words to understanding and using them.
The early years curriculum brings together communication, reading, mathematics and writing. Reading starts when children join, and early phonics learning helps them connect sounds with written language. The classroom supports purposeful learning, with opportunities to develop reading and mathematical knowledge.
Writing practice. In January 2026, children had too few chances to develop and rehearse writing throughout the different learning areas. They generally used their phonics knowledge when writing opportunities arose, but those opportunities needed to be more frequent. Families should weigh that limitation alongside the positive language work.
Support for learning reaches home. In January 2026, communication with early years families worked effectively, including help with recognising numbers and understanding phonics. This gives parents concrete ways to continue learning beyond the nursery session, rather than leaving them to guess how to help.
For concerns about development or additional needs, the first conversation is with the child's class teacher. Parents can also arrange to meet the special educational needs and disability coordinator or the headteacher. Teachers work with the coordinator and, where needed, specialist agencies to address barriers to learning. This provides a route for discussing a child's individual needs and the support they require.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at St Mary's. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the relevant deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as two separate decisions. A Supplementary Information Form is required for all school applications, with baptism or faith evidence where necessary.
Towards the end of the summer term, nursery graduation marks the children's milestone. Extended family members can attend, and the PTFA has bought gowns and mortar boards for the ceremony. It is a celebration of completing nursery, separate from the allocation of Reception places.
Children can start in September or January once they have reached their third birthday. Nursery applications use an application form, with paper copies obtainable from the school office. Funded places are offered; contact the school for current charges.
Availability enquiries go through the office on 01257 262811 or office@chorleystmarys.lancs.sch.uk. This is also the contact route for nursery queries.
For a nursery child's holiday during term time, families do not need to submit a leave-of-absence request. The nursery asks for advance notice of planned holidays so children can avoid missing special activities. That distinction is useful when organising family plans.
The nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds. Children can join in September or January once they have reached their third birthday.
Communication and language are prominent, with stories, rhymes and songs supporting vocabulary and understanding. The early years judgement in January 2026 also identified insufficient opportunities to practise writing across learning areas.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline.
Start with your child's class teacher. You can also arrange an appointment with the special educational needs and disability coordinator or the headteacher.
Contact the school office on 01257 262811 or email office@chorleystmarys.lancs.sch.uk. Nursery applications use an application form, and paper copies are obtainable from the office.
