St Patrick's RC Primary School Nursery Review

A shared early-years classroom gives St Patrick’s nursery its defining character: nursery and Reception-age children learn in the same class. This is nursery provision within the Catholic primary school on Lee Street, Oldham, rather than a separate setting. For families, the mixed class means the first classroom experience already includes older early-years children.

The nursery occupies the building’s lower level, reached by steps. That practical detail deserves attention before choosing a place, especially where a child has mobility needs. The school aims to connect learning with Gospel stories while respecting children’s different faiths, cultures and traditions.

Practical activity shapes learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The approach covers children’s development across the early-years curriculum, with opportunities to explore independently alongside activities directed by adults. Computing gives a concrete example: cameras, telephones, torches and touchscreen computers feature in early-years exploration. Children can investigate equipment through their own play as well as guided tasks, giving them opportunities to practise using it independently.

Language has a clear place in the morning. Unlocking Letters and Sounds is the phonics programme, and nursery children begin with Phase 1, concentrating on listening and speaking. They progress to Phase 2 when ready. The emphasis starts with oral skills rather than assuming that every child is ready for the same next step. Additional phonics intervention runs daily where needed, including for nursery children.

Singing also serves language development. Early years places an emphasis on nursery rhymes and songs, while staff revisit vocabulary and use sentence stems to support spoken responses. Books extend learning into family life: reading books go home daily, and a library book goes home each week for sharing together.

Outside, the wider school grounds include two playgrounds, a trim trail, an all-weather pitch and a sloping field. These are school facilities; the nursery classroom itself sits on the lower level of the sloping site.

Settling begins with meetings before children start. Families discuss their child’s preferences, familiar routines and sensory needs, helping staff consider adaptations from the outset. Extra Stay and Play sessions are offered to children who may struggle to settle. For children with SEND, an extended introduction can begin with short periods and build gradually.

Class Dojo connects the early-years classroom with home through photographs, learning updates and suggestions for supporting children. SEND support involves class teachers, teaching assistants and the SENDCo, with an Early Years SENDCo role also identified. Parents participate in reviewing progress and agreeing targets, so support includes discussion with the family.

Access and sensory needs. Steps can restrict suitability for some physical needs, and limited spaces away from the classroom can create barriers for children with complex sensory or emotional needs. Suitability for more complex needs is considered individually. These constraints matter alongside the support arrangements.

Breakfast club is open to all children. Fruit, toast and cereals are among the choices, with milk and water also offered. Children can play games and spend time with friends before lessons.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions round and meet its deadline. For the September 2026 intake, the route was an online Oldham Local Authority application plus a supplementary form returned to the school. That intake is now past.

Transition support is a separate matter. Children with SEND can have extra visits when changing class, observation by their next teacher and preparation packs to use with parents. These arrangements help prepare for change; they do not secure admission.

Doors open at 8.40am and teaching starts at 8.45am; nursery finishes at 11:45. The morning finish is a central consideration for family schedules. Breakfast club runs every day from 8.00am to 8.40am.

All early-years children need black pumps, which can stay at school in a pump bag. Clothing and footwear should be labelled. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 633 0527 or email info@st-patricks.oldham.sch.uk. A contact form provides another enquiry route.