Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Leyland
St Catherines Independent Nursery was established in 1998 as a registered charity dedicated to providing high-quality early years education and care. Our nursery operates within a primary school building while maintaining independent status, offering a warm and nurturing environment for children aged two to five. With a dedicated team of staff boasting over 150 years of collective experience, we prioritise consistency and strong relationships to foster confidence and self-esteem in children. As a non-profit organisation, our focus remains on passion for childcare rather than financial gain. Our Ofsted Outstanding rating reflects our commitment to excellence, with a curriculum designed to stimulate creativity, independence, and social development.We actively involve parents through regular communication and home visits, ensuring a collaborative approach to each child's growth. Our facility provides both full-day care and limited free part-time places, serving families in Leyland and surrounding areas. The nursery's reputation is built on delivering a home-from-home atmosphere where children and families feel valued and supported. We offer specialised support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through our trained SENCO. Our long-serving team ensures continuity, enabling staff to develop deep understanding of each child's needs and developmental milestones.
Services
Early Years Education
Daycare Services
SEND Support
Forest School
Parent Partnership
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in early years education
- Our team has 150+ years of collective childcare experience
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted for educational quality
- Non-profit organisation focused on quality care
- Consistent staff providing a home-like environment
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Excellent staff
Happy environment
Great idea
Safe and friendly
Developed independence
Services
Early Years Education
Our structured curriculum supports children aged 2-5 through play-based learning. Qualified staff deliver activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills while maintaining Ofsted Outstanding standards. Daily routines balance guided instruction with creative exploration.
SEND Support
Specialised support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Our trained SENCO implements individualised plans while maintaining small class sizes. Regular parent consultations ensure consistent developmental progress tracking and strategy implementation.
Forest School
Nature-based educational programme promoting physical development and environmental awareness. Children engage in supervised outdoor activities that build resilience and teamwork. Sessions follow strict safety protocols while encouraging independent exploration of natural spaces.
Parent Partnership
Active parent engagement through home visits, learning journals, and regular consultations. We maintain open communication channels via Parentapps platform. Parents receive termly progress reports and participate in curriculum planning discussions to ensure holistic child development.
Daycare Services
49-week annual provision offering flexible childcare solutions. Our facility maintains consistent staffing ratios to ensure personal attention. Daily activities combine structured learning with free play in secure, purpose-built environments that meet all health and safety regulations.
People
Helen Brockliss
Nursery Manager
Experienced early years educator with 20+ years in childcare leadership. Oversees daily operations and staff development at St Catherines. Holds Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development.
Jane Handyside
Deputy Manager
Qualified nursery practitioner with 18 years' experience in early education. Manages curriculum implementation and staff training. Specialises in child development and safeguarding protocols.
Emma Rawlinson
SENCO
Special Educational Needs Coordinator with 15 years' experience. Develops individualised support plans and liaises with external specialists. Holds additional qualifications in autism spectrum disorders and speech therapy.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We care for children aged 2 to 5 years old.
Are there free childcare places available?
Yes, we offer limited free part-time places for eligible families.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our qualified SENCO provides individualised support plans with regular parent consultations.
What is your Ofsted rating?
We have maintained an Outstanding rating since our 2022 inspection.
How do you involve parents?
Through home visits, learning journals, and regular progress meetings using Parentapps.
Reviews (5)
Rebecca Walmsley
Jul 25, 2019
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Very highly recommended nursery. Before starting at St. Catherine’s my son had never been to nursery, so it was a big shock to both of us when it was time to start pre school. The support and understanding from the staff was so helpful, we had plenty of settling in sessions in the month before starting. The home visit is a lovely idea which made… him feel more relaxed with his key worker. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time at St. Catherine’s, he’s grown in confidence and made some great friends. The staff are fantastic, friendly and we will miss them all.
Mary Fowler
Jul 18, 2019
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I would defo recommend st Catherine’s nursery the staff are all amazing my 8 year old girl went and my 4 year old little boy is just leaving I have my 2 year old starting next year ! My little boy has autism and non verbal and in nappies they went above and beyond to meet his needs and he has loved his time there I know he is going to miss them all
Johnathon Melling
Jul 18, 2019
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Brilliant place. all the staff are lovely and the children love going. The little one really wants to stay when we drop Big sister off
Andras Schottner
Jun 04, 2019
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An absolutely fantastic nursery. Wonderful, very welcoming environment for the kids. Helpful staff providing great support to my little one. Wish we have found this place earlier.
Georgia Leah Crook
Dec 06, 2018
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Both my Children have attended this Nursery and have absolutely loved it. My little girl is there now and looks forward to her days to go. There always seems to be something going on during the day as she always comes home with a story to tell. Both have my children came on leads and bounds here. The staff are lovely and friendly and always will to help with anything and chat at any time.
