St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Chipping: Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and learning alongside older children shape the pre-school at St Mary's in Chipping. In June 2026, the early years class brought pre-school children, including some 2-year-olds, together with Reception children. That mixed-age arrangement places the nursery within the school's everyday teaching rather than in a separate nursery class.

The balance for parents is clear: caring staff and purposeful support sit alongside teaching that needs attention. Ofsted's June 2026 early years judgement was Needs attention. This applies to the combined early years provision, rather than being a separate nursery rating.

Books give children a starting point for learning. Staff draw children into stories and use questions to encourage them to think. Phonics teaching begins when children are ready, so the introduction to reading responds to their stage of development. Conversation matters too: in June 2026, staff helped early years children speak confidently, including about Chipping's scenery and nearby Longridge Fell. Familiar surroundings give them something concrete to discuss.

Teaching starts from children's existing understanding and abilities. Next steps include developing younger children's communication and language, alongside physical and personal skills. For a child beginning pre-school, that means learning encompasses talking and personal development as well as early reading.

There is a significant qualification. In June 2026, teaching across the school, explicitly including early years, did not consistently develop the foundations of writing sufficiently. Letter formation was also an early years concern. These findings make the teaching of early writing a substantive consideration for families, alongside the appealing emphasis on stories and talk. Leaders were working with Lancashire's local authority to refine early years teaching and the curriculum.

Gentle, caring interactions are a strength of the early years team. Staff work together in the combined class and support both children's learning and wellbeing. For young children, that links the adult response to their emotional needs with the help they receive during activities.

Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities begins in early years. Connections with families and children's previous settings help staff recognise needs early. This gives parents a meaningful role in helping adults understand their child, rather than treating support as something considered only later. In June 2026, staff understood how to prepare children with SEND and disadvantaged children for further learning.

Sharing a class with Reception children is a classroom arrangement, not a guarantee of admission. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Keep that application distinct from the decision to take a nursery place.

The school is on Garstang Road in Chipping, Preston, PR3 2QH. For enquiries, call 01995 61367 or email head@st-marys-chipping.lancs.sch.uk. The school welcomes visits, giving families a direct way to explore whether the combined early years arrangement suits their child.