Westhead Lathom St James' Nursery Review

Ladybirds learn through focused play, with an outdoor teaching area of their own and woodland within the school grounds. This is the nursery at Westhead Lathom St James' Church of England Primary School in Westhead, Ormskirk. Nursery children are called Ladybirds and share a mixed age class with the Butterflies, the school's Reception children. That shared classroom is a practical feature of daily life, rather than an admissions promise.

Early years provision was graded Outstanding at the Ofsted inspection on 4 and 5 February 2025. This judgement covers the school's early years provision. In February 2025, nursery teaching developed children's vocabulary and early language effectively, giving communication a clear place in the provision's character.

Play provides the starting point for learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development, relationships and learning about the world; here, focused play and outdoor learning give children ways to practise those skills. Activities extend beyond the classroom into the class's own outdoor teaching space.

For Ladybirds, early reading begins with Phase 1 of Lancashire Red Rose Phonics. Children can also choose a Reading for Pleasure book to share with an adult at home. This gives families a way to continue enjoying stories together, alongside the nursery's work on language.

Number learning uses White Rose and the Mastering Number Programme across EYFS. Songs, games and physical resources connect counting with quantities and written numbers. Children practise subitising and revisit their learning through activities in the provision.

Creative work is practical: children mix paint colours, work with clay and make models from reused materials. They practise these skills outside as well as indoors. Computing introduces familiar everyday technology alongside Beebots, laptops and an interactive classroom screen, connecting exploration with objects children may recognise.

Forest School adds a different kind of learning space. Nursery participation is scheduled for Tuesday in Summer 2. Sessions combine an adult-led task with exploration, free play and reflection, sometimes including a campfire. A qualified Forest School instructor leads the provision. Woodland activities can include searching for bugs, making shelters and using tools, giving children practical problems to tackle together.

Settling starts with learning routines and rules from the first day. Adults model learning behaviours, help children build relationships and guide them through disagreements. These are concrete steps towards managing a shared classroom, rather than simply expecting children to adjust unaided.

Wednesday brings Super Snack, an opportunity to taste something unfamiliar or try food connected with a learning topic or place. A suggested donation is requested each term through Seesaw. Food therefore also becomes a talking point within learning.

In February 2025, staff recognised barriers to learning early, and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learned with their classmates. Early years children also persisted with difficult tasks and remained absorbed in learning. For families considering additional support, the important feature is participation alongside peers.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority here. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Priority goes to looked-after and previously looked-after children, children for whom the Local Authority accepts exceptional medical, social or welfare reasons directly relevant to the school, then children with an older sibling attending when they start. Remaining places depend on distance from home.

Sharing a class with Butterflies gives Ladybirds experience of a classroom that includes Reception children. Keep that daily familiarity separate from the application: it does not change how places are allocated.

For nursery enquiries and to arrange a school tour, email bursar@wlsj.lancs.sch.uk or telephone 01695 574078. Booking an appointment helps ensure a staff member can show the family around.

Ladybirds wear trainers for Tuesday PE. For their Summer 2 Forest School sessions, pack wellies, overalls and spare clothing, with hats and gloves as appropriate. These practical preparations let children take part in physical and outdoor activities.