Leigh St Peter's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Perfect Pandas, Terrific Tigers and a nursery rhyme of the week give this nursery day its own identity. Short group activities alternate with play indoors and outside, while prayer forms part of the routine at Leigh St Peter's CofE Primary School in Leigh.

The provision includes two-year-olds alongside pre-school children aged three and four. For 2024-2025, there were 52 part-time equivalent places for three- and four-year-olds and 16 places for two-year-olds, with a room for the younger group. These are dated capacity figures. In March 2025, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good; that judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The morning begins with children registering themselves, toast, a welcome activity and prayer. Perfect Pandas and Terrific Tigers then take turns for phonics on the carpet before returning to indoor and outdoor play. This gives the session a rhythm of adult-led learning and time for children to pursue activities themselves.

Continuous provision means learning opportunities remain open for children to explore, with adults supporting play and asking questions. Both sessions include this balance. Maths or literacy brings children back together later, using a mystical box for the focused activity. Singing, finger gym and Grandma's Glasses also feature in the preparation for home; afternoon session children have story time towards the end of their day.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) here combines learning through play with attention to language, early number work and independence. In March 2025, the early years curriculum took account of children's interests and needs. Nursery rhymes and songs helped children hear differences between sounds from the beginning of Nursery Year. That makes early reading preparation recognisable to parents: listening and singing are part of the learning.

Toast is part of the morning welcome, and healthy snacks feature in both sessions. Adults spend snack time talking with children, so eating also creates an opportunity for conversation. Lunch is built into the routine for children attending for 30 hours.

In March 2025, children received help with managing emotions and becoming more independent from the start of early years. Identification of special educational needs and disabilities also began at the youngest ages.

Support involves the class teacher and SENCo, with parents participating in the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle. For children under five with an Education, Health and Care Plan, reviews take place at least every six months. The school building has step-free access, an adapted toilet and a room that can accommodate private therapy. These are practical features for families considering physical access or specialist support.

Reception requires another application. A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families must apply separately using the Local Authority Common Application Form, with 15 January as the closing date.

For the 2026-2027 admissions cycle, nursery attendance gives no Reception priority. Places are allocated using criteria covering care status, qualifying siblings, church attendance and distance. Familiarity with the school therefore does not replace the application process. SEND records are retained from Nursery onwards and accompany children through school, helping information about their support continue with them.

Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to an 11:45am collection. Afternoon registration is at 12:15pm, with the session ending at 3:15pm. Children attending for 30 hours are collected at 3pm, so families using that pattern have a different afternoon collection time.

Contact the school on 01942 671442 or email enquiries@admin.leighsaintpeters.wigan.sch.uk to enquire about nursery. The school is on Leigh Street, WN7 4TP.