St John's Catholic Primary School Nursery, Skelmersdale

A wooded mound for Forest School and a speaking-and-listening start to phonics give St John's nursery two concrete strands to its day. This is the school's own provision in Birch Green, Skelmersdale, with learning grouped for ages 2–3 and 3–4. Younger children attend in the afternoon; the older nursery session runs in the morning. That distinction matters when fitting nursery around family routines.

Catholic identity shapes the curriculum, including nursery religious education through To Know You More Clearly. The school welcomes families with different beliefs and backgrounds. For parents, this means choosing both a session pattern and a setting where faith is part of learning.

Speaking and listening come first in Red Rose Letters and Sounds. Nursery children begin at Phase 1, so the starting point is developing communication rather than rushing into written letter work. In July 2022, Ofsted found that two-year-olds heard stories and learnt nursery rhymes daily, while nursery-class children practised sounding out simple words and reading them. These are concrete examples of how early language and reading enter the day.

Outdoor learning has a specific setting: the wooded mound. Forest School is accessible to all children across the school, with sessions led by a trained practitioner. Its approach combines exploration and play with practical problem-solving and supported risks. This gives children another way to participate, using hands-on experiences outdoors alongside their language work.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the nursery's curriculum context. Maths follows the Lancashire Planning Model and Red Rose Mastery Maths approach, with lessons adapted to children's needs. Religious education includes listening to Bible scripture, exploring Christian beliefs and considering how these connect with everyday actions. Together, these strands bring communication, mathematical thinking and faith into early learning.

The July 2022 inspection also identified a weakness in checking learning in a few subjects, including checks involving early-years children: gaps in remembered knowledge were not being picked up sufficiently. For families, the relevant concern is how staff recognise what a child needs to revisit before introducing further learning.

Support for additional needs follows the SEND Code of Practice through a graduated approach to identifying needs and responding to them. The school aims to include children with disabilities or learning needs throughout school life, with responsibility shared across staff. Parents can contact the SEND coordinator through the school office or email inclusion@st-johnsrc.lancs.sch.uk, giving them a direct route to discuss concerns.

Safeguarding concerns can be raised with a Designated Safeguarding Lead. Operation Encompass also links the school with Lancashire Police to help staff support children affected by domestic abuse. This is a specific route for relevant information to reach staff early enough to inform support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a separate task when planning your child's next step.

The 2 Year Old Nursery session runs from 12:15 to 15:15 and is associated with 15 hours of funded two-year-old childcare. The 3 Year Old Nursery runs from 08:45 to 11:45, with 15 hours of funded childcare for children aged 3 and 4. These are distinct morning and afternoon arrangements.

For place enquiries, telephone the school office on 01695 721323 or email office@st-johnsrc.lancs.sch.uk. Visits can be arranged through the office before or after an application. The school is on Flamstead, Birch Green, Skelmersdale, WN8 6PF.