St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Learning to share starts at two here. St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School in Skelmersdale has a two-year-old room alongside its Nursery class, giving its youngest children a place within a Catholic primary school. Language and learning alongside other children are defining features of this provision.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Early years children showed enthusiasm for learning, with language development supported in both nursery groups.

Communication has a clear place in the nursery experience. In October 2024, children benefited from opportunities to develop language in both the Nursery class and the two-year-old setting. Learning to share and wait for a turn began with the youngest entrants. For a two-year-old, these are practical foundations for playing with other children and taking part in a group.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children's development, learning, health and safety. Its seven learning areas include movement, communication and emotional development, alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. This gives parents a broader way to think about nursery learning than reading and counting alone.

Catholic teaching is part of the early years curriculum. Come and See is the religious education scheme, and at least 10% of curriculum time per week is devoted to religious education from EYFS onwards. The school focuses on love, hope and forgiveness, connecting its faith with how children treat one another.

Support for additional needs sits within the school's wider arrangements. The SENDCo works with families and teachers to plan help, which can include an individual Targeted Learning Plan or work in a small group. These plans are revisited at least termly, giving families a regular opportunity to consider whether targets remain appropriate. Referrals to the Speech and Language Team can be made when needed.

Physical access also matters. Across the school, entrances and doorways are level and can accommodate a wheelchair. An accessible toilet has a changing bed, and a sensory room can be used individually or by small groups. These are school facilities, rather than nursery-specific rooms.

Teachers communicate with parents daily. Dojo carries updates, and the school offers an open-door approach to concerns. Where medical care plans are needed, school staff, parents or carers and the school nurse draw them up together. This gives families a way to explain health needs as well as learning needs.

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. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

The school is on Blakehall, Skelmersdale, WN8 9AZ. Enquiries can be made by calling 01695 558 560 or emailing bursar@sfoa.lancs.sch.uk. SEND enquiries are directed to the Inclusion and Intervention Manager/SENCO through the same telephone number.

Collection arrangements require parents to identify the adults authorised to collect their child. For children with additional needs, parents receive access to the car park barrier so that collection and drop-off can take place through the main entrance.