Our Lady and All Saints, Parbold: Nursery Review

Books and early language give this nursery its clearest character, within a Catholic school that starts its provision with two-year-olds. Our Lady and All Saints Roman Catholic Primary School, Parbold, has its nursery within Class 1: Early Years. It is a school setting from the outset, with faith forming part of the educational context.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 14 and 15 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school. It gives parents a dated assessment of this stage of education, rather than a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Reading starts early here. In May 2024, children encountered different authors and books from the beginning of early years, with staff selecting reading material to broaden vocabulary, provoke thought and catch children's interest. The emphasis goes beyond recognising words: books give children ideas to discuss and language to express them.

Early phonics adds a more structured strand. At that same date, trained staff taught the programme consistently, helping children connect letters with their sounds. Reading books were selected to fit the sounds children had learned, linking teaching with practice rather than asking children to tackle unfamiliar letter patterns. These are concrete foundations for learning to read.

Faith also has a curricular place. Early years has introduced the Religious Education Directory model curriculum, To Know you more clearly, following Liverpool Archdiocese guidance. The school aims to develop children's spiritual understanding in ways suited to their age and capacity. Families choosing the nursery should therefore consider its Catholic learning context alongside its early reading emphasis.

Predictable expectations are part of the early-years experience. In May 2024, routines for children's behaviour were already established in early years. For a young child, those routines provide a framework for learning how to participate alongside others.

The school sees parents as children's first educators and aims to encourage confidence to try things and make mistakes. That gives families a clear picture of its intended relationship with home. Parents can contact their child's teacher through the class contact details, providing a direct route for questions about their child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate primary-school application even when the nursery belongs to the same school.

The Reception application route combines a Lancashire online application with the school's own admissions form. For the September 2025 intake, the deadline was 15 January 2025; that was a past admissions cycle. The useful distinction for families is between choosing nursery provision now and completing the separate Reception process for their child's intake.

The nursery's school is on Brandreth Drive in Parbold, WN8 7HD. Enquiries can be made by telephone on 01257 462466 or through the school's contact form.

Prospective parents can arrange a school visit by calling the office for an appointment. A visit offers a practical opportunity to consider the school setting in which the nursery operates before deciding whether it suits the family.