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Nursery at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Medlar-with-Wesham
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sand, water and a shared Early Years Unit give Little Joey's its school-based character. This nursery at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Medlar-with-Wesham welcomes three and four year olds, with older Reception children also part of the unit. Nursery education takes place within the school, rather than in a separate setting.
Provision runs during term time. September, January and April intakes give families several starting points across the year. The nursery aims to develop children's independence and confidence within a Christian school community, making its faith character part of the choice for parents.
Play provides the starting point for learning. Little Joey's follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings, move confidently and explore the world. Stories and early writing sit alongside number work, imaginative activities and creative expression. These are connected parts of a young child's development.
Across the school's early years provision, staff observe children's play and interests when planning learning. Activities available for children to choose are adjusted through the week, alongside tasks guided by adults and work in groups. That gives the day a balance between following an interest and joining a shared activity.
Outdoors, children have an area for imaginative play and physical activity, with water and sand among the resources. These materials give exploration a practical form: children can handle, move and experiment with them. Indoor and outdoor activities both form part of the nursery provision.
Settling starts before the first nursery day. Each child is invited to spend one hour playing in the classroom, with existing children present in the Early Years Unit. The introduction therefore includes meeting other children as well as becoming familiar with the classroom.
Families are also offered a home visit, usually during the opening days of term. Staff use this informal meeting to learn about the child's interests, preferences and dislikes, while parents can raise concerns and ask questions. To accommodate induction, children may begin a day or two after the rest of the school at the September, January and April starts.
A hot lunch can be provided by the school canteen for an additional charge. This offers a meal option for families choosing to include lunch with their child's attendance.
For additional needs, the school's support route begins with the class teacher, followed by a meeting with the SENDCo where needed. Specialist involvement can include Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychologists and Hearing Impairment Services. This gives families a route from an initial concern to further advice and support.
Attending Little Joey's does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; choosing nursery and applying for school are separate decisions.
For the September 2026 intake, applications went through Lancashire County Council's online school admissions service, with a closing date of 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Parents seeking priority on the basis of Catholic baptism or membership of another faith community also needed to return the school's Supplementary Information Form.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Lunch occupies the interval from 11.45am to 12.20pm. A full day provides six hours of nursery provision, while a half day provides three, with lunch an option.
For the 15-hour funded entitlement, full or half days are arranged in advance with the headteacher. Families using another nursery must inform the office. The 15-hour weekly entitlement can only be claimed once; families requiring more than a total of 15 hours are liable for full payment. Full-time attendance is available to eligible three and four year olds using 30-hour funding. Paid places are also offered; contact the school for current charges.
Visits and nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01772 683009 or bursar@st-josephs-kirkham.lancs.sch.uk.
The nursery caters for three and four year olds within the school's Early Years Unit.
Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoon sessions are 12.20pm to 3.20pm. Lunch runs from 11.45am to 12.20pm.
Yes. Full or half days can be arranged for the 15-hour entitlement, and eligible three and four year olds can attend full time with 30-hour funding. Paid places are also available.
Children are invited to a one-hour classroom play session before starting. Families are also offered a home visit, usually in the first few days of term.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal school admissions process.
