St Francis Catholic Primary School, Goosnargh: Nursery Review

Books, rhymes and the confidence to explore give this nursery its character. The nursery and pre-school belong to St Francis Catholic Primary School in Goosnargh, with a staff team specifically assigned to the provision. This is an early start within a Catholic primary school.

Ofsted’s January 2026 inspection judged the school’s early years provision to be at a Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Its nursery-specific finding gives reading a clear place from the beginning: children develop an enjoyment of stories, books and rhyme.

A full nursery and pre-school day runs from 9:00am to 3:30pm. Language is a substantial part of the learning. In January 2026, staff’s conversations with children introduced expressive vocabulary and supported their communication. For parents, the practical significance is that learning includes the exchanges between adults and children, as well as the activities themselves.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum has clear learning ambitions and a focus on knowledge children can retain. Staff build language through their interactions, while nursery children encounter books and stories from the outset. These are foundations for later learning, rather than a focus on school results.

Curiosity also has space. In January 2026, early years children were willing to experiment with ideas and explore their learning. Beyond the nursery, the school grounds include the Millennium Walk beyond the playing field, planting areas and a prayer garden. A mud kitchen and swings are further physical features of the school’s outdoor environment.

Settling matters here. In January 2026, parents valued how nursery staff helped children become comfortable enough to explore. Staff also maintained close relationships with families. That links the emotional work of starting nursery with children’s willingness to take part in learning.

The pre-school team includes a manager who is a Level 6 key worker and the designated safeguarding lead for nursery and pre-school, alongside a nursery nurse. This gives the provision its own named roles for care and safeguarding, within the wider school structure.

Early identification of additional needs is a strength of the early years provision. In January 2026, staff recognised needs promptly and adjusted learning for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged children, helping them progress. Parents with developmental concerns can begin with their child’s class teacher or arrange to speak to the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). There is a direct route for raising concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for a school place as two separate decisions.

The full-day session spans 9:00am to 3:30pm. Enquiries can go to the school bursar at bursar@st-francis.lancs.sch.uk or by telephone on (01772) 865369. An online enquiry form provides another contact route. Visits to the school are welcome by appointment, giving families an opportunity to look around before deciding.