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Nursery at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A book that changes fortnightly gives learning a fresh starting point at St Patrick's nursery, with early attention directed towards talking, relationships and managing feelings. This is the school's own provision for children aged three and four, at Hardybutts in Wigan, within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the January 2025 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Communication and personal development come first. The EYFS curriculum initially gives extra attention to children's social and emotional development and their ability to communicate with others. In parent language, that means learning how to express feelings, build relationships and join in before the emphasis broadens to other learning.
Themes give this learning a thread. Knowing Me, Knowing You! introduces the autumn, while Growing! provides a spring focus. Each theme is divided into fortnightly blocks, with a linked book and changes to activities in the teaching space. Children can return to a familiar subject through fresh stories and tasks, giving them more than one way to explore an idea.
The named Characteristics of Effective Learning guide the approach: exploring ideas, persisting with a challenge and thinking through possible solutions. Focused activities sit alongside continuous provision, where children can pursue ideas through the resources around them. Reading areas contain familiar stories to retell, information books and magazines linked to children's interests. Daily stories and poems add opportunities to hear and use language.
Physical learning includes dance, gymnastics and ball skills in the EYFS programme. At lunchtime, early years activities change each week and combine games taught by adults with independent activity. In January 2025, children in early years were learning to share, cooperate and help one another, making social learning part of everyday routines.
Settling starts with a visit alongside a parent. Every child joining nursery is invited to a session, and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can have further visits when needed. This gives families an opportunity to introduce their child to the setting together. In January 2025, early years children adapted promptly to routines and formed positive relationships with one another.
The school's SEND arrangements involve parents in setting and reviewing targets through a Pupil Support Plan. A home-school contact book can also be agreed where useful. The SENCo holds the Early Years SENCO Award, and families can contact the role directly at senco@saintpatricks.wigan.sch.uk. These arrangements provide a route for discussing individual needs and keeping support under review.
For children having lunch, the school's catering team prepares food on site. Hot and cold choices are offered, with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and families may alternate packed lunches with school meals. Meals can be ordered by the day. Tell the school about allergies; menus identify allergen risks to help families choose.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step from choosing nursery sessions.
Transition support has its own purpose. Summer taster sessions help children prepare for starting Reception, with extra visits for those with additional needs. Parents are invited to a meeting, and families whose children have SEND can discuss concerns with the SENCo before admission. Familiarity helps preparation; it does not secure admission.
The universal funding route covers 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds across 38 weeks. Families choose sessions and complete a contract. The nursery's funding information also describes 30 hours across 38 weeks for eligible working families with children of those ages. If changed circumstances mean you are no longer entitled to 30-hour funding, inform nursery by email as soon as possible.
Uniform is optional for nursery children. For enquiries, contact the school on 01942 244361 or enquiries@admin.saintpatricks.wigan.sch.uk; the nursery also uses nursery@saintpatricks.wigan.sch.uk. Current charges should be checked with the school.
The nursery's funding information covers children aged three and four.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
Children are invited to visit nursery with a parent. Additional visits can be arranged where needed for children with SEND.
No. Nursery children may wear school uniform, but it is optional.
The nursery describes universal 15-hour funding over 38 weeks for three- and four-year-olds, and 30 hours over 38 weeks for eligible working families with children of those ages.
