St Teresa's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

An orchard harvest gives a concrete picture of Pre-School life at St Teresa's: younger children have picked fruit with help from Year 5. This nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school on College Road in Upholland, with Pre-School forming part of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Learning connects with the wider school, rather than stopping at the class door.

Faith has tangible surroundings here. St Teresa's Church shares the school site, and Pre-School children have visited it. For families choosing a Catholic setting, that brings the parish into children's experience of school.

Language, music and practical exploration give the nursery day its character. In June 2024, Ofsted found that early-years children enjoyed sharing rhymes, songs and stories, while nursery children developed their ability to listen closely. These are foundations for learning: paying attention to sounds and to other people matters before children begin formal reading.

The EYFS is the framework for this stage of education. Music sits within its Expressive Arts and Design area, connecting musical activity with children's developing ways of expressing themselves. Emotional learning also has a named approach. Through Zones of Regulation, early-years children practise recognising emotions, giving them vocabulary for how they feel.

Outside, the orchard offers something specific to explore. Pre-School children have gathered fruit alongside Year 5, with pears, plums and apples among the harvest. It is a practical encounter with growing food and an opportunity to work with older children.

Catholic learning uses CAFOD animal mascots in the early years. These resources introduce Catholic Social Teaching through characters, bringing ideas about caring for others and the world into a form intended for younger children.

Settling is an encouraging feature of the dated early-years findings. At the June 2024 inspection, children adapted quickly and learnt to cooperate and attend to their teachers. A Pre-School teaching assistant forms part of the support team.

For concerns about additional provision, parents start with the class teacher; unresolved concerns then involve the SENCO. That gives families a clear first point of contact. Medication requires a completed parental agreement before staff can administer it during the school day.

Foundation Stage children can access the school milk and government fruit schemes. The wider school's lunches are prepared in its own kitchens, using Lancashire County Council's Healthy Heroes menus. That describes the school meal service; the after-school session separately includes a light snack, usually at 4.30pm.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing Pre-School and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions.

After School Club accepts Pre-School children, who are accompanied across by a member of their own staff. It runs every school day from 3.25pm until 6pm, with booking through School Money. Collection is required by 6pm, and late collection incurs an additional charge.

The club mainly uses the hall, with access to the library and spiritual garden as well as other school spaces. Role play, crafts and outdoor play extend the afternoon. For general enquiries or to arrange a school visit, contact the school on 01695 623842.