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Nursery at Britannia Bridge Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sensory learning, conversation and children’s own interests shape nursery life at Britannia Bridge. Ladybirds is the provision for two-year-olds, with 24 part-time places; Caterpillars is the three-year-old nursery class, and nursery admissions also cover four-year-olds. These are the school’s own nursery classes in Lower Ince, Wigan, with nursery applications handled by the school.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 25 and 26 April 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Support for taking turns, understanding instructions and becoming more independent gives the youngest children practical foundations for learning together.
Children’s interests help determine the learning planned for them. Adult conversation and sensory exploration are central to the early years approach, with outdoor learning forming part of the curriculum. For parents, this means an emphasis on learning through interaction and experience, alongside the skills children need for their next stage.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning and care. Language, relationships and physical development provide the foundations; children also develop early mathematical and literacy skills, explore the world and express ideas through art and design. Caterpillars has its own long-term curriculum plan. The approach connects these areas rather than treating nursery as a series of separate subject lessons.
A nursery walk to the local postbox gives a concrete example: children posted letters to Father Christmas and explored the neighbourhood around school. Familiar places become material for conversation and discovery. Indoors, Friends of Britannia Bridge has helped provide a purpose-built library for the youngest children, giving books a dedicated physical space.
In April 2023, early years phonics teaching followed a carefully designed curriculum delivered by trained staff. Alongside early reading, children received support to cooperate and do more for themselves. These everyday habits matter as much as recognising sounds.
Caterpillars has a nursery class teacher and a teaching assistant. Family communication extends beyond formal appointments: the school’s Open Door Policy invites parents to discuss concerns or ideas in the morning and at home time. Updates also come through Class Dojo, Facebook and Teachers to Parents emails, giving families several ways to keep in touch.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school describes adaptations including visual prompts, practical learning, extra time and adult support. These give staff different ways to explain an activity and let a child respond, rather than relying on a single method. A SEND coordinator forms part of the wider school team, and Wigan’s Local Offer provides families with information about education, health and care services.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Wigan Council organises Reception admissions, while Britannia Bridge handles nursery applications itself. Parents can apply for Reception online through Wigan Council Admissions or obtain a paper form from the school office. Treat the two applications as separate decisions and follow the council’s Reception deadline.
Ladybirds places are part-time, and paid nursery sessions have limited availability. Eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 funded hours each week; the office helps families complete an eligibility check. Applications for 30 government-funded hours require confirmation of eligibility. Contact the school for current charges.
For nursery enquiries, call the school office on 01942 760036. Nursery application forms are available through the office, and completed applications for the older nursery children must be returned with a birth certificate. This makes the office the practical starting point for checking places and preparing the application documents.
Ladybirds caters for two-year-olds. Caterpillars is the three-year-old nursery class, and the nursery admissions information also covers four-year-olds.
The school lists 24 part-time places in Ladybirds.
The EYFS combines language, physical and social development with early literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression. Children’s interests, sensory learning and adult interaction inform the early years approach.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Wigan Council’s admissions process.
Contact the school office on 01942 760036. The office handles nursery enquiries and can help with application forms and eligibility checks.
