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Nursery at Thorneyholme Roman Catholic Primary School, Dunsop Bridge
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor learning gives this school nursery its setting: Thorneyholme has woodland in Black Planting Forest for Forest School activities, alongside its rural Dunsop Bridge surroundings. The nursery belongs to Thorneyholme Roman Catholic Primary School, where education starts at age three. It is part of a Catholic school that welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds.
The school describes a family ethos, with close relationships between children, staff and parents. For a nursery family, that emphasis puts belonging alongside learning. Religious education forms the foundation of the school curriculum, so its Catholic identity is part of the educational setting rather than simply a name.
Learning outdoors is an explicit part of school life. The woodland area gives Forest School a concrete setting beyond the classroom; school Forest School sessions take place at least once a month. These are school arrangements, rather than a separate nursery timetable.
Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), learning includes the social skills needed to share activities with other children. In March 2025, children in the early years were learning to take account of one another and cooperate. That matters for the nursery day: learning to work together is part of the experience alongside developing early reading skills.
Reading needs a more qualified assessment. In March 2025, staff were receiving support and training for a newly introduced phonics programme, but early-years children developed their ability to use phonics in reading at differing rates. Some children's reading fluency was affected. The practical issue is consistency: learning letter sounds needs to translate into using them confidently when reading.
Settling was a strength in March 2025: early-years children adjusted quickly. Alongside their developing cooperation, this gives a useful picture of children becoming comfortable with the routines and relationships of school life.
Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) starts in the early years. In March 2025, teachers changed learning approaches and resources to help children with SEND become more independent and confident. This is a concrete form of inclusion, responding to how an individual child learns.
A SEND coordinator oversees additional support, and the school uses a SEND consultant each month. Parents can discuss concerns with class teachers or arrange a meeting with the coordinator through the office. The school offers home-cooked meals. Staff also receive regular safeguarding training and know how to record concerns, providing a school-wide framework for responding when a child needs help.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal primary admissions route, with Lancashire County Council providing the application route.
For the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, nursery attendance was not a priority criterion. The criteria included care status, Catholic baptism, siblings and specified geographical areas. Families should therefore treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
Visits can be arranged by telephone on 01200 448276. An appointment gives families a direct opportunity to see the school setting before choosing its nursery.
For enquiries, email bursar@thorneyholme.lancs.sch.uk or use the enquiry form. The school is on Trough Road in Dunsop Bridge, BB7 3BG. Refer to the school for current charges.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception. Nursery attendance was not a priority criterion for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle.
The school has woodland in Black Planting Forest for Forest School activities. School Forest School sessions take place at least once a month.
In March 2025, early-years children settled quickly and were learning to cooperate and consider other children.
The SEND coordinator oversees support, with a SEND consultant involved monthly. In March 2025, teachers changed learning approaches and resources for children with SEND. Parents can arrange a discussion through the office.
Telephone 01200 448276 to book an appointment. Enquiries can also be sent to bursar@thorneyholme.lancs.sch.uk.
