The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Wilfrid'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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhyme, rhythm and listening give this nursery its starting point for reading. Children meet Monster Phonics through stories and songs, with conversation and vocabulary preparing them for later learning. Books have a physical place too: Book Nooks feature in every classroom, giving children somewhere to choose and explore reading independently.
The nursery forms part of St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School on Golborne Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield. Its SEN Information Report identifies preschool provision for ages three to five. Ofsted's report dated 24 February 2026 judged early years to be at the Expected standard; this is an early-years judgement within the school's inspection.
The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, brings together learning about language, relationships, movement, creativity, the world, numbers and literacy. For parents, that means children's development extends beyond early reading and counting. Learning to communicate and cooperate matters alongside recognising sounds and exploring mathematical ideas.
Listening comes before more formal phonics work. The nursery phonics overview includes environmental and instrumental sounds, body percussion, rhyme and the beginnings of blending spoken sounds. Children practise noticing what they hear and how words sound. An optional next step is intended for children who have completed Phase 1 and are ready to recognise letter sounds: in Term 3, it introduces one letter each week. Readiness is the condition.
Exploration also gives children something to discuss. Foundation Stage science uses children's senses and observations of their surroundings, encouraging questions about how things happen and comparisons between experiences. In February 2026, adult conversations helped children develop their language, while nursery sound recognition prepared them for subsequent phonics learning.
Catholic teaching shapes the curriculum. The EYFS uses To know You More Clearly, giving families a named religious education framework alongside the broader early learning programme.
Settling begins with opportunities for families to take part. Nursery staff invite new parents to visit and join INSPIRE; visits to a child's home or another setting can also be requested. These provide ways to begin contact before attendance. In February 2026, early-years children settled readily and became more independent and confident. Staff relationships were warm, and children worked cooperatively with one another.
Teachers also helped parents support learning at home. For additional needs, the early-years SEND policy sets out parental involvement, monitoring and a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. The SEN Information Report includes My Action Plan and One Page Profile, giving families specific documents through which to contribute to support decisions.
SEND identification. In February 2026, staff addressed challenges including speech and language difficulties, but recognised some other SEND less readily. Some children's learning consequently progressed less fully than it could. Families considering this provision should weigh that concern alongside its support arrangements.
Lunch begins at 11.45am for nursery children. The school building has wheelchair access and a disabled toilet, although not every toilet is accessible.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The school's admissions page directs parents to Wigan's primary school Admission Portal.
Transition sessions give pupils time with their next class teacher. That preparation is separate from the allocation of a place. For children with an education, health and care plan, the SEND policy provides for review and amendment ahead of a change of phase so support can be planned.
Eligible families can access 15 or 30 funded childcare hours. Additional nursery sessions are charged; contact the school office for current charges and eligibility enquiries.
After-school care accepts children aged three to eleven. Monday-to-Friday options run from 3.15pm to either 4.30pm or 5.30pm, offering two collection points for families needing care beyond the nursery day.
Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 01942 707101 or enquiries@ashtonsaintwilfrids.wigan.sch.uk. The contact page also has an enquiry form.
The SEN Information Report identifies preschool provision for children aged three to five.
Children encounter Monster Phonics through rhyme, stories, rhythm and songs. The nursery overview begins with listening and sound discrimination, with an optional Term 3 introduction to letter sounds for children who have completed Phase 1 and are ready.
New parents are invited to visit and take part in INSPIRE. A visit to the child's home or another setting can be requested.
Yes. Eligible families can access 15 or 30 funded hours, with additional nursery sessions charged separately. The school office handles eligibility and charges enquiries.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school's admissions page links to Wigan's primary school Admission Portal.
