St James' Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Morning or afternoon sessions give this early-years provision a clear rhythm: three hours of nursery time, with breakfast and dinner sessions also offered. St James' Church of England Primary School on Tyrer Avenue in Wigan includes provision for two-year-olds within its Nursery class, alongside its Pre-School provision. Families can therefore consider an early start within a primary-school setting.

The school describes Christian values as part of daily life and welcomes families across faiths and backgrounds. That gives the nursery a Christian context with an explicitly inclusive welcome.

Stories and rhymes are a daily feature. In September 2022, staff shared books and rhymes each day with both the Nursery class and the two-year-old provision. For young children, this puts listening and language into a familiar, repeatable part of the day.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) is the setting's early-learning framework. Its planning includes Religious Education in the Early Years and Knowledge Based Organisers across the year. Alongside this, the school's BELONG curriculum aims to develop confidence, empathy and practical life skills. These aims give learning a social purpose as well as a knowledge focus.

Outdoors, the woodland area supports weekly Wellie Walks for younger learners, with guided exploration of the natural world. The school also has a pond area used to observe pond organisms and their life cycles. These are concrete spaces for discovery, rather than outdoor time being described only as a break from the classroom. Chinese New Year activities take place in EYFS, bringing another cultural experience into early learning.

Settling into routines was a positive early-years finding in September 2022: children became accustomed to classroom expectations quickly. This matters for families introducing a child to regular group sessions.

Food arrangements differ by session. At Pre-School breakfast club, choices include cereal, muffins, toast and crumpets. Pre-School sessions also include fruit and milk without an additional charge, giving children a snack within their session.

Support sits within the school's wider team. A SEND coordinator provides a contact for additional needs, while trained designated safeguarding leads work across the school. The school seeks partnership with families and other agencies when children need support. For parents, these roles provide routes for raising developmental or welfare concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Choosing nursery sessions and applying for school entry are separate decisions; families should plan for both.

Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45; afternoons run from 12:30 to 15:30. Breakfast club runs from 07:50 to 08:45, and the dinner session from 11:50 to 12:30.

The funded booking pattern is five mornings or five afternoons, covering up to 15 hours each week. Extra sessions attract charges. Pre-School funding begins in the term after a child's third birthday. Up to eight full-time places under the 30-hour funding arrangement are offered, subject to admission criteria. Families should obtain current charges from the school before choosing additional sessions.

Pre-School uniform includes a white polo shirt, blue knitwear, grey or black bottoms and black shoes. Enquiries go to the office on 01942 703952 or stjameswigan@ldst.org.uk.