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Nursery at Highfield St Matthew's Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play and conversation give this nursery its character. At Highfield St Matthew's Church of England Primary School on Billinge Road in Wigan, the Nursery class forms part of the school's Early Years phase. It is a school-based start, with learning through play rather than a day defined solely by formal lessons.
Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection of 1 and 2 March 2023. Speech and language were a clear focus in Nursery, giving families a concrete picture of the learning priorities behind that judgement.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings children's learning, development, health and safety together. Here, adults guide some play while children make their own choices in other activities. That balance gives children opportunities both to follow an adult's lead and to pursue an interest themselves.
Language runs through the learning. In March 2023, the early years environment encouraged curiosity and imaginative activity, while songs and nursery rhymes introduced children to the pleasures of listening and joining in. These are recognisable starting points for families: talking, listening and enjoying language together.
The school's SHINE curriculum places Christian values alongside learning, with a different value receiving attention each half term. Nursery children also participate in nativity performances, adding a shared performance experience to their learning. The school aims to make its Christian setting welcoming and to value children equally.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), support involves families from the start. Where a need has already been identified before entry, the school works with parents and professionals to plan provision. This gives existing knowledge about a child a place in the arrangements for their education.
Parents join termly discussions about targets, progress and next steps. The school uses the Early Years toolkit when assessing children with SEND, and Pupil Support Plans are reviewed each term. Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy are among the specialist services the school uses. Support can therefore draw on expertise beyond the classroom when needed.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route. For the 2026 entry cycle, applications went through Wigan Council's online service, with a deadline of 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed.
Transition support is a separate matter. The school's Meet the Teacher sessions take place towards the end of the summer term, allowing children to spend time with their next teaching team and explore their next classroom. For children on the SEND register, a one-page profile records needs, strengths and strategies, helping staff carry useful information forward.
Childcare eligibility. Nursery children cannot take places at Trinity, the school's before and after school childcare. Families planning care around work need to account for that restriction.
Pre-arranged tours can be booked through the School Office with the Early Years Leader or headteacher. General enquiries go to the office on 01942 747818 or hstm@ldst.org.uk. The office opens from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, providing a direct contact route for families considering the nursery.
Children learn through a combination of play guided by adults and activities they choose themselves, within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Early years provision was graded Good on 1 and 2 March 2023. Nursery speech and language development was a central learning priority.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
No. Nursery children are not eligible for Trinity places.
Contact the School Office to book a pre-arranged tour with the Early Years Leader or headteacher.
