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Nursery at St Aidan's CofE Primary School Billinge
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Five places, a quiet area and a morning built around play give Blossoms, St Aidan's provision for two-year-olds, a distinct identity within the school's early years department. Blossoms caters for ages two to three; Pre School serves three- to four-year-olds. Both belong to the school's early years provision, with learning shaped around children's interests and developing independence.
In Ofsted's report dated 19 May 2026, early years met the Expected standard. That judgement covers the early years department within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Blossoms starts with a brief gathering to introduce the day's activities. Children then choose play or work on tasks with an adult, with a shared snack breaking up the morning. Songs and a story bring the session to a close. That predictable sequence gives younger children familiar points around which to organise their morning.
Learning moves between the nursery, an outdoor area and the Blossoms quiet area. Two-year-olds do not use the Reception classroom because its resources include small loose parts. Conversations during play build vocabulary, while physical challenges develop movement and hand control. The quieter space gives this youngest group a distinct place within the wider provision.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through play with activities guided by adults. Development Matters informs planning, and children have sustained time to practise skills through play. Where possible, books help introduce topics; resources and activities change in response to children's interests and needs. Pre School planning also includes Monster Phonics, alongside progression documents for construction, sand and water play. These give practical play a planned learning purpose.
Across early years in May 2026, children developed number knowledge, enjoyed stories and expanded their vocabulary through rhymes, songs and adult conversation. Staff used questions to deepen understanding and observations to track development. Early letter formation was still developing, with children beginning to form letters and write words correctly.
Each Blossoms child has a key worker, with a maximum of five children per adult. Before starting, families can share information at stay and play sessions. Nursery open days also introduce the classroom and staff, helping children become familiar with their new surroundings before regular attendance begins.
Communication continues through brief spoken feedback after Blossoms sessions, a daily sheet covering activities, friendships and food, and electronic learning journals on Tapestry. Parents can contribute their own observations, connecting development at home with what staff see during play.
Blossoms includes a communal snack, with healthy foods to try and time to talk with other children. In early years, staff also teach handwashing and toothbrushing. Consistent routines support turn-taking and safe behaviour, making everyday care part of children's growing independence.
Development checks take place between the second and third birthdays in Blossoms, and around the third and fourth birthdays in Pre School. Concerns can lead to additional activities or, following discussion with parents and the SENDCo, specialist support. The school's SEND information report lists The Bridge Centre for children up to age five and Speech and Language Therapy among its external services. The school building has wheelchair access and a disabled toilet.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception and should confirm the current application route and deadline with their home local authority.
Preparation for that move is a separate matter. Reception staff exchange information with nursery providers, and summer-term stay and play sessions introduce children to their next environment and adults. A parent information session explains routines. Children with additional needs can have a transition support plan, with photographic Transition Booklets used for some children to help make the change more familiar.
Blossoms runs each morning during term time, from 8.45am to 11.45am. This is a morning attendance pattern, so families choosing the two-year-old provision need to plan around an 11.45am finish.
For an enquiry or a school tour, telephone the school office on 01744 678042. Inclusion enquiries can also go through the office, providing a direct starting point for discussing a child's support needs.
Blossoms caters for two- to three-year-olds, while Pre School serves children aged three to four.
The two-year-old session runs every morning in term time, from 8.45am to 11.45am.
Families are invited to stay and play sessions, nursery open days introduce the classroom and staff, and nursery children are assigned a key worker.
Families receive spoken feedback, a daily information sheet and updates through Tapestry learning journals, which parents can also contribute to.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception and should confirm the current application route and deadline with their home local authority.
