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Nursery at Garstang St Thomas' Church of England Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A secure outdoor area and access to woodland give this nursery a character beyond its classroom. Garstang St Thomas' nursery caters for children aged 2-4 in a purpose-built building on Kepple Lane, within the Church of England primary school. Teaching is led by a class teacher, supported by early years practitioners. It combines a nursery base with access to the wider school grounds.
At the inspection on 26 and 27 November 2024, Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery inspection rating.
Language gives the learning its clearest focus. In November 2024, nursery children were using specific vocabulary such as teacup and medical box, while children as young as three asked precise questions. These are useful examples of what speech development looks like in practice: children learning to name things accurately and ask for the information they need.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) curriculum builds foundations for later learning. In November 2024, expectations for learning extended to the provision for two-year-olds, and the early years curriculum was highly successful. The emphasis starts early.
Space adds another dimension. The nursery has a large outdoor area with secure boundaries, alongside access to the school's woodland and other grounds. Children therefore have learning space beyond the nursery building itself. For families who value an outdoor setting, those physical features are a concrete part of the offer.
Support for families has a physical base in the nursery building. GST PARENT CONNECT runs on Friday mornings between 8:50am and 10am in the Procter Suite, its front room. Parents and carers can discuss friendships, wellbeing, medical needs or special educational needs. A separate room allows conversations to take place privately.
The school's pastoral support includes referrals to speech and language therapists, help with Early Help assessments and support through Team Around the Family meetings. Families can meet staff at school or at home. This gives parents several ways to raise a concern and seek help beyond the classroom.
Communication also uses the Garstang St Thomas app, which supports messages to teachers and the office, absence reporting and a calendar. A main update is shared each Friday, giving families a regular point of contact with school news.
Separate application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Choosing this nursery and applying for school are separate decisions.
The nursery's September 2022 opening offer included term-time hours from 7:30am to 5:45pm. These were opening hours rather than a stated individual session pattern.
For nursery enquiries, email nursery@garstang-st-thomas.lancs.sch.uk or call 01995 603454. School visits can be arranged by appointment through the office. Contact the school for current charges.
Children aged 2-4.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
The nursery has a large secure outdoor area and access to the school grounds, including woodland areas.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 26 and 27 November 2024. This was not a separate nursery inspection.
Email nursery@garstang-st-thomas.lancs.sch.uk or telephone 01995 603454.
