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Nursery at St Thomas Church of England Primary School, Lydiate
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Number of the Week, puppet play and learning to dress independently give this nursery a distinctive mix of early learning and everyday skills. Part of St Thomas’ Church of England primary school on Kenyons Lane in Lydiate, it shares the school’s Christian values and Lighthouse Curriculum.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 6 and 7 June 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and planned teaching work together. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines movement, relationships and communication with early maths, literacy, creative expression and exploring the world. The Lighthouse Curriculum gives this a school-wide connection, while children’s interests help shape activities and resources.
Language has plenty of practical outlets: children use puppets, sing together, act out experiences and discuss stories. Nursery phonics starts with Phase One activities in autumn; Read Write Inc begins in the summer term. Listening to sounds comes before the more formal programme. In June 2024, early years children experienced traditional stories and nursery rhymes as part of their introduction to reading.
Number of the Week brings maths into stories and rhymes. Play also introduces comparison, patterns, measurement and spatial thinking. These are concrete starting points for understanding numbers, rather than maths confined to a worksheet.
Indoors, defined areas encourage conversation, with cosy nooks and resources that children can use in different ways. Outdoor construction and den building sit alongside block play and scissor practice. Children also help prepare healthy snacks, giving practical tasks a place alongside imaginative play.
Personal development receives deliberate attention. Circle time, My Happy Mind and The St. Thomas’ Way support work on emotions, relationships and behaviour. The EYFS Passport translates independence into recognisable tasks, including tooth brushing, dressing and handling cutlery. Families can see how learning connects with life at home.
Before starting, parents provide information about their child’s previous experiences and early literacy and number skills. That gives staff a starting point for understanding the individual child. For children with SEND joining from another setting, the SENCo and Early Years Lead may visit the pre-school or arrange a home visit; a taster session is offered where appropriate.
Tapestry provides a connection between home and nursery. Parents can contribute learning and experiences from home, while stay and read/play sessions, workshops and updates each half term help families understand classroom learning. Experienced EYFS practitioners staff the provision.
Additional support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. Parents help agree targets, and Support Plans are revisited each term, with changes possible sooner. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns; the SENCo can provide further advice. This gives families a clear route into discussions about their child’s needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority’s online route by 15 January. Faith-category applications also require a supplementary faith reference.
The entry year matters. For the 2026/27 intake, category 9 gave priority to children attending this nursery for at least one term before Reception admission. For 2027/28 entry, nursery attendance confers no priority: the categories cover care status, siblings, faith and other children. Families planning ahead should use the arrangements for their child’s intake.
For children with SEND changing class, staff share the Support Plan, targets and provision with the new teacher, and children can visit their new class. This supports continuity of care; it does not determine admission.
Nursery uniform includes a St. Thomas’ polo shirt with either a jumper or cardigan. Options include grey trousers or shorts, navy jogging bottoms, or a dark grey skirt or pinafore. No separate PE kit is required. Wellington boots remain at school for outdoor learning, so families need to prepare for activities beyond the classroom.
To enquire, return an expression of interest form to the school office. Visits can be arranged by appointment. Contact the office on 0151 531 9955 or at stthomas@ldst.org.uk.
No. A separate local authority application is required by 15 January. Nursery attendance gives no priority for 2027/28 entry. The 2026/27 intake had a nursery criterion requiring at least one term’s attendance before Reception admission.
Phase One activities begin in the autumn term, followed by Read Write Inc from the summer term.
Parents can contribute through Tapestry. Workshops and stay and read/play sessions also connect families with nursery learning.
Yes. Children wear a St. Thomas’ polo shirt with the specified clothing options. They also bring wellington boots to remain at school. An additional PE kit is not required.
Speak to the class teacher first. Further advice is available from the SENCo, with appointments arranged through the school office.
