Platt Bridge Community School Nursery

Stories, den building and messy mark-making give this nursery its character. Provision for two-year-olds sits alongside Pre-School within Platt Bridge Community School’s early years phase in Wigan. Language runs through the activities, with play and adult-led learning working together.

At the Ofsted inspection on 10 and 11 July 2024, the school’s early years provision was judged Outstanding. That judgement covers the early years phase rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children’s learning was checked closely, with teaching extending skills they had already developed.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form here: children develop communication, movement, relationships and early literacy through play, stories and guided activities. Staff combine direct teaching and work with smaller groups with time to explore the resources. Themes grow from books, giving children connected ideas to talk about and revisit. Songs and rhymes introduce vocabulary from the two-year-old provision onwards, building familiarity with words beyond everyday conversation.

In the room for two- and three-year-olds, messy play provides opportunities to make marks on a large scale. Later activities develop shapes and help children attach meaning to their marks. Pre-School uses Scribble Club and Drawing Club to connect stories with drawing and early writing. Maths also enters ordinary routines: children count who is present, discuss the calendar and vote for stories. Learning is woven into familiar actions.

Outside, climbing equipment, construction spaces and den-making offer opportunities for bigger movements and collaborative play. A woodwork space gives hands smaller tasks, while playdough resources include garlic presses and hole punches. Funky Fingers activities take place daily. Indoors, home corners encourage familiar conversations, and reading spaces use characters and props linked to Book of the Month. Quiet spaces give children somewhere to pause. The balance is between active exploration and room to reflect.

Settling begins with contact before the child starts. Home visits help staff understand children’s interests and discuss family concerns; Inspire sessions let parents and children explore the setting together. In July 2024, children in early years adjusted quickly and took an enthusiastic approach to the activities. These arrangements give families a way to begin building relationships with staff before regular attendance.

Emotional learning uses The Colour Monster to help children discuss feelings. Adults help children manage emotions and practise resolving disagreements. Healthy eating also becomes an activity, with fruit kebabs connected to The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This is learning about food through a story and practical preparation.

Class Dojo provides weekly learning updates, and parents can speak with staff before or after school. Progress meetings take place in Autumn and Spring. For children needing extra communication help, WELCOMM provides targeted support. The school’s SEND approach uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with individual support plans for pupils identified with SEND. Families can raise concerns with the SENDCo and contribute to planning support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Platt Bridge Community School. Families must make a separate application through Wigan Council’s normal school admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.

Pre-start Inspire sessions help children and parents become familiar with the setting. Familiarisation supports the experience of starting; it does not replace the separate Reception application.

The school and nursery are on Rivington Avenue, Platt Bridge, Wigan, WN2 5NG. General enquiries go through the school office on 01942 487999 or admin@plattbridge.atctrust.org.uk. An online contact form provides another enquiry route.