St Richard's Catholic Primary School Nursery, Skelmersdale

Play, weekly SHAREs P.E and school celebrations give this nursery a place in the wider life of St Richard's. Its 52 part-time places serve children aged 3 and 4 within the Catholic primary school's early years provision. Nursery children join collective worship and praise assemblies, so the school's religious character forms part of their experience from the start.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 24 and 25 September 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children's own choices sit alongside activities directed by adults. That is the practical shape of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here: play is used for learning, with staff introducing experiences as well as giving children opportunities to pursue their interests. Development Matters helps staff plan, observe children and assess their development. It also supports discussions with parents and other professionals about how a child is progressing for their age.

Songs, storytelling and rhymes build the foundations for reading. In September 2024, these nursery activities helped children develop the early understanding needed for later reading. There was a caution alongside that positive finding: checks on learning were inconsistent in some subjects, including for some children beginning to read. Families should keep that distinction in mind when considering the early literacy provision.

Weekly SHAREs P.E adds a regular focus on physical development. Beyond ordinary activities, children participate in Sports Day and World Book Day, alongside visiting authors and pantomime performances. These give young children experiences of books, performance and school events beyond their nursery group.

Teaching is shared between two class teachers, with the EYFS lead teaching on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and another teacher covering Wednesday and Thursday. Nursery support staff work alongside them; some support roles span both nursery and Reception. For children, that creates opportunities to know adults who work across the early years provision.

Additional needs have a school-level support structure. The SEND coordinator holds the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination and coordinates individual provision. Staff review progress regularly and plan further interventions where concerns arise, with external agencies contributing specialist advice. This gives families a route for discussing additional help. Lancashire SENDIAS also provides confidential, impartial advice and support for parents of children with SEND.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Lancashire School Admissions, following the normal Reception application timetable. A supplementary faith form is also provided for applicants who need one.

Participation in assemblies and school events gives nursery children familiarity with wider school life. Shared support staff across the early years can also provide familiar faces. These practical connections must be kept separate from the decision about a Reception place.

The nursery offers the 15-hour entitlement from the term following a child's third birthday, alongside a 30-hour entitlement for working parents who qualify. Nursery applications use a nursery application form, and the school office handles enquiries about eligibility for 30 hours.

St Richie's Wraparound is an external provider on the school site taking children aged 2 and 3. The school works with it to offer flexible places for younger children. Breakfast Club and After School Club are further options through St Richard's Out of School Club. Keep these distinct when planning care: the school nursery and the external onsite provider are separate provisions. Contact the school for current charges.