St Stephen's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Wiggle me into a Squiggle starts the morning with movement that prepares children for writing. It sets the tone for a nursery day that combines short teaching sessions with time to choose, build, pretend and explore. St Stephen's nursery in Astley has 26 places, with full-day attendance or morning and afternoon sessions. Entry begins in the term following a child's third birthday.

This is the school's own nursery class. In the Ofsted report dated March 2026, early years met the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than being a separate nursery rating.

Independence starts with putting away bags and coats and registering themselves. A visual timetable then helps children understand what comes next. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Development Matters guide learning across seven developmental areas: the practical emphasis is on play, conversation and activities led by adults, alongside children's own choices.

Carpet teaching lasts about 15 minutes. Pathways to Writing uses a different book each half-term to shape English activities; Master the Curriculum develops early understanding of number. Children then choose activities indoors and outdoors, with a teacher-supported English or maths task during the week. The Construction Area, Home Corner and Malleable Area give that choice a concrete shape, while the Reading Area and Calm Area offer other ways to spend time.

At 10am, children pause for milk, a snack and conversation. Small reading groups discuss their book and retell its story. Essential Letters and Sounds follows at 11am, beginning with phase 1 and progressing to phase 2 in the summer term. Songs, dancing and phonics games precede lunch. This gives early literacy several forms, from listening and talking to movement and sound games.

Afternoons bring another English or maths session and further play. Wednesday PE with REES Sports uses ball games in the hall; Friday includes either RE or Heart Smart, followed by craft. Word Aware – Concept Cat introduces a word each week during the afternoon snack. A story and songs finish the day.

In March 2026, staff used carefully developed conversation to extend vocabulary, and children practised skills outdoors as well as inside. Familiar tales and rhymes were helping nursery children enjoy books. The emphasis is on language woven through ordinary activity.

Relationships help children settle. The March 2026 early years findings describe children feeling secure with staff, becoming more independent through predictable routines, and receiving activities matched to their next learning steps. Staff also worked effectively with families and recognised difficulties affecting learning or wellbeing promptly.

A class teacher leads small reading groups, while teaching assistants supervise lunchtime play. All nursery staff hold paediatric first-aid qualifications. SEND needs and other obstacles to learning are identified when children join the nursery, making the starting point for support an early one. Parents can contact the SEND coordinator at send@ststephensastley.org.uk.

Children staying all day eat lunch at 11.30am in the hall with staff support, then brush their teeth in the bathroom. Local Kitchen supplies meals cooked on site, with menus changing over a two-week rotation. Parents choose and order ahead through My Evolve Hub. These routines make eating and personal care part of the nursery day.

Separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions route and meet the deadline for their intake. The admissions page directs parents to Wigan Council's primary admissions service; its stated deadline of 15 January 2026 belonged to the 2026–27 intake and has passed.

Shared play has a different purpose. Nursery children spend time with Reception children and become familiar with Reception staff during indoor and outdoor activities. That builds relationships ahead of a possible move, rather than securing admission.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and a full day from 9am to 3pm. Each part-day session lasts three hours, so families can choose between a shorter session and the full nursery day.

To register interest, complete the nursery Registration of Interest form and return it to school, or collect a form there. General enquiries go to enquiries@admin.astleysaintstephens.wigan.sch.uk or 01942 882412. Teacher appointments are arranged through the office. For current meal charges, contact the school.