Leigh CofE Primary School Nursery

Two rooms give Leigh CE Nursery its shape: a toddler room for ages two to three and a pre-school room for ages three to four. Part of Leigh CofE Primary School’s early years unit, the nursery opened in October 2020. Its term-time calendar follows the school’s, a useful fit for families with siblings attending both.

The toddler room accommodates eight children per session, with two early years practitioners; pre-school accommodates 16, also with two practitioners. Children generally move between the rooms in the term following their third birthday. These are distinct groups for different stages of development.

At the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 April 2023, early years provision was judged Requires improvement. That judgement covered the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children’s interests help shape the learning. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), using it to track development and adapt activities to individual needs. Its child-led approach includes In The Moment learning: interests and significant experiences in children’s lives become starting points for activities.

Writing begins with movement and materials. Running, jumping and climbing develop larger movements, while playdough, threading and making marks exercise finer control. Adults demonstrate writing for practical purposes, including birthday cards and shopping lists. This gives early marks a purpose before children are forming letters.

Both outside and indoors, children can experiment with marks and writing. The nursery has its own outdoor space, alongside access to the wider school grounds. Wellington boots are advised. A Communication Friendly environment supports language development, and the school uses Key to Communication strategies for early language.

The April 2023 findings add an important caution. Some early years staff lacked clarity about the learning intended through activities, and their ability to develop speech and communication varied. Some two- and three-year-olds consequently lacked the preparation they needed for their next educational stage. Curriculum delivery and language teaching were explicit priorities for improvement.

Settling starts before the first session. A visit to the nursery is followed by a home visit, giving families a familiar place to discuss their child’s needs. A play and stay session then lets children explore the nursery and meet other children before starting.

Each child is allocated a key person to oversee learning and development and work with parents. Tapestry, the online learning journal, lets families contribute experiences from home, connecting what children do outside nursery with their learning there. The team includes a nursery manager and deputy manager, with support from the school’s pastoral and SEND teams.

For additional needs, the school uses the Wigan Graduated Approach. Pupil Passports record individual targets and support, with updates at least once a term. Families participate in creating them, so their knowledge of their child informs staff support. Full-day children can have a school dinner, charged separately.

Behaviour teaching also needed attention in April 2023. Some early years staff missed chances to help children practise sharing, cooperation and taking turns; this affected other children’s learning. Parents should weigh those findings alongside the nursery’s care arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by its deadline.

Transition support is a separate matter. Classroom visits, parent meetings and exchanges between key people help carry information about each child into the next stage. Inspire sessions also bring parents and children into school before Reception begins, while transition meetings involve families, pre-school providers and the Early Learning and Child Care Team. The practical benefit is continuity of information and familiarity with new surroundings.

Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45, afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15, and full days from 09:00 to 15:00. Families agree a combination with the nursery; at least two sessions each week are recommended to establish a routine. Provision operates during term time.

All three- and four-year-olds have a universal entitlement of 15 funded hours weekly. Eligible working families may qualify for 30 hours, while eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours through the separate entitlement based on family income, benefits or child circumstances, from the start of the term after they turn two. Unfunded attendance and additional sessions are charged; contact the school for current charges.

Nursery uniform is recommended but optional: a white polo, nursery cardigan or sweatshirt, plain grey bottoms and black shoes. Enquiries and visit arrangements can be made through the school office on 01942 671389 or Enquiries@admin.leighceprimary.wigan.sch.uk.