Little Lions’ Nursery at St Mark's CofE Primary School

Two rooms give Little Lions’ its shape: a toddler room for ages two to three and a pre-school room for ages three to four. This is St Mark's CofE Primary School’s own nursery in Newtown, Wigan, within its Early Years unit. Places are term time only.

The toddler room accommodates eight children per session with two practitioners; pre-school accommodates 24 with three practitioners. Across the nursery, a manager and deputy work with three qualified early years practitioners. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 September 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Movement comes before handwriting here. Nursery children climb, jump and run to develop larger movements, then use threading and playdough to practise finer control. Mark making introduces the handling of crayons, brushes and pencils before letter formation. Adults model purposeful writing, including birthday cards and shopping lists, giving children reasons to experiment with marks.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care and learning together. Little Lions’ starts with relationships, language and physical development, then builds towards number work, literacy, expressive arts and understanding the world. Activities are adapted to individual development. Daily pre-school phonics follows Little Wandle Letters and Sounds, while Key to Communication strategies support early language.

Outdoor learning is part of both rooms. Toddlers have their own outdoor area and can use the school grounds. Pre-school children move between inside and outside through free flow, sharing outdoor provision with Reception children. Writing and mark making are possible in both environments, so these activities extend beyond a table indoors.

In September 2023, two-year-olds were developing language well and most early years children had secure phonics knowledge. However, some staff still needed greater expertise in teaching early reading, and phonics catch-up support for a small number of pupils needed strengthening. This matters alongside the positive early years judgement.

Settling begins before the first nursery session. Families can arrange a look round, followed by a home visit to discuss their child and any individual needs. A play and stay session lets children explore nursery with a parent before starting. Each child then has a key person overseeing learning and development, giving families a regular partner in their child’s progress.

Tapestry lets parents contribute experiences from home to the online learning journey. A school dinner is an option for children attending a full day who require one, with lunch payments handled through School Hub.

The school’s inclusion arrangements provide further support. Each classroom has a Safe Space and visual timetable, with simple signs and other visual aids supporting communication. Pupil Passports record individual needs and targets and are refreshed at least termly. Parents help create them, making their knowledge of the child part of support planning. The school also works with the Early Years Inclusion Team and speech and language services.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline.

Familiarity is a separate benefit. Shared outdoor provision means pre-school children already know the Reception environment and team; planning and support can be prepared before the move. Inspire sessions offer activities in school for children and parents before Reception starts, alongside home visits and transition meetings involving families and pre-school providers. For children moving elsewhere, Little Lions’ passes information to their next school to support continuity.

Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45, afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15, and full days from 09:00 to 15:00. Early starts and later finishes are also offered to full-day children. Session requests depend on availability, and the nursery recommends at least two sessions each week. Nursery follows the school’s term dates.

All three- and four-year-olds have a universal 15-hour weekly entitlement; qualifying working families can receive 30 hours. Eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours under the income, benefits or child-circumstances criteria from the start of the term after their second birthday. Those eligible under the working-parent entitlement can receive 30 hours. Proof of funding may be requested. Additional sessions and school dinners are charged separately; contact the school for current charges.

Register interest through the Nursery Interest Form, after which staff discuss availability. Visits can be arranged after contacting nursery. The office can also handle enquiries on 01942 748 618 or enquiries@admin.saintmarks.wigan.sch.uk. Little Lions’ uniform is optional but recommended, and wellington boots are advised for outdoor play.