Orrell Newfold Community Primary School Nursery

Conversation gives Newfold’s nursery its character: adults talk with children during play and learning, building the language they need for what comes next. The nursery belongs to the school’s Early Years phase on St James Road in Orrell, alongside Reception.

Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection of 5 and 6 June 2024. That judgement covers the early years phase, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Language takes a leading role in the curriculum. In June 2024, exchanges between adults and children were a particular strength, and children developed a secure foundation for starting to read. For parents, the emphasis is on learning through conversation as well as activities: talking is part of the teaching.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives the nursery day its learning framework. Its priorities include movement, relationships and communication, alongside early reading, writing and number work. Children practise expressing ideas, listening to others and managing feelings. Counting, exploring shapes and connecting letters with sounds sit alongside discovering the world around them.

Creative learning includes role play, dance, music and experimenting with materials. These activities give children different ways to communicate their ideas. Outdoor learning also connects nursery children with older pupils: an autumn reindeer hunt paired Nursery and Reception children with buddies from the upper years, using maps to locate the reindeer. It is a concrete example of younger children joining a shared school activity.

The nursery team includes a class teacher who leads Early Years, a learning support assistant and a higher level teaching assistant with responsibility for outdoor environments. Families use Tapestry to contact nursery staff, providing a direct route for questions about their child.

Settling into routines was an early years strength in June 2024, when children adjusted readily and behaved exceptionally well. Before starting school, Mini-Movers gives preschool children another opportunity to become familiar with Newfold’s staff. Early Years staff run activities where children can join in and meet others.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND information covers learning and literacy, physical or sensory needs, communication, and emotional or social difficulties. This gives families distinct starting points for discussing support. At school level, Local Kitchen prepares lunches on the premises, with a rotating menu and a hot vegetarian choice each day. These are school meal arrangements, rather than a nursery-specific menu.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Newfold. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process administered by Wigan Local Authority.

For the 2026 application cycle, the school gave a deadline of 15 January 2026 and described online applications or forms returned to a Wigan primary school. That deadline has passed. Keep the Reception application separate from any nursery arrangements.

The admissions programme also includes a June or July meeting before children start, allowing parents to meet the new teacher and learn about school life. This preparation is separate from the allocation of places.

Nursery enquiries can go through the school office on 01942 207134 or enquiries@admin.newfold.wigan.sch.uk. Existing nursery families can contact their child’s team through Tapestry.

Mini-Movers runs on Mondays from 9:00am to 9:45am, with no booking required. It offers a practical introduction to the staff and other children before school starts.