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Nursery at Lee Royd Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Acorns, Badgers and Squirrels give Lee Royd its nursery identity: named classes, outdoor play and learning built around children’s interests. This is a maintained nursery school in Accrington, serving children aged 2 to 4, rather than a nursery class within a primary school. The Acorns class has 12 two-year-olds, giving its youngest children a distinct group of their own.
Qualified teachers and teaching assistants form part of the team, alongside a Forest School Leader. Lee Royd aims to develop children’s confidence, curiosity and independence through its Image of the Child approach. Those aims connect everyday play with learning to communicate and make choices.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the curriculum: early learning through experiences, play and adult interaction. All seven learning areas are covered, with flexibility to follow children’s ideas. Woodnook, Baxenden and Accrington provide local context for that learning, so the curriculum connects with the communities children know.
In Squirrels, activities combine children’s interests and individual needs with selected core texts. Learning happens indoors and outdoors. Badgers children have small-group activities during daily keyworker time, while outdoor play continues whatever the weather. Wellies and a suitable coat are practical essentials.
In June 2024, children developed their vocabulary through repeated explanations of unfamiliar words, and stories, poems and rhymes helped them gain confidence in telling stories themselves. Visiting Bollywood dancers, a pilot and a nurse brought different experiences into their learning. Caring for chicks, caterpillars and squirrels gave children concrete ways to explore living things.
Checking understanding. The June 2024 inspection identified uneven checks on children’s knowledge in some learning areas, leaving gaps insufficiently revisited and some children less prepared for their next educational stage. Consistent attention to what each child understands matters alongside the activities themselves.
Badgers children are assigned a keyworker, making daily small-group time part of their support. Milk and fruit are provided each day in that class. Families are asked for a half-termly donation towards snacks, baking ingredients, birthday presents and consumables; ask the school for current charges.
Weduc connects home with nursery learning. Squirrels families can see the core texts being used and activities to try at home; Acorns families receive learning updates and can raise concerns through an open-door approach. Squirrels also encourages families to share photographs and news from home, giving staff useful context about children’s lives.
In June 2024, staff recognised additional needs promptly and adjusted teaching for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Two-year-olds received help with routines and rules, including caring for equipment and tidying up. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that time.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application for Reception through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing Lee Royd for the nursery years and applying for a primary school place are separate decisions.
Provision runs during term time, with up to 40 hours available each week. Morning sessions run from 9:00 to 12:00; afternoons run from 12:45 to 15:45. The funded 30-hour pattern runs from 9:00 to 15:45 for eligible children. Breakfast Club operates from 08:30 to 9:00, and After School Club from 15:45 to 16:30, extending the care day.
Eligible families can combine 15 funded hours with additional paid sessions. Some eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours each week over 38 weeks, starting in the term after their second birthday. Lunches and extra sessions are also offered. Contact the school on 01254 231725 for enquiries and current charges.
Bring a water bottle, outdoor footwear and spare clothes if needed. Collection should match the session’s finish time; tell staff beforehand if an appointment requires an earlier pick-up.
Children aged 2 to 4 attend. Acorns is a class of 12 two-year-olds.
Morning sessions run from 9:00 to 12:00, and afternoon sessions from 12:45 to 15:45. Provision is term time only.
Yes. The 30-hour session pattern runs from 9:00 to 15:45 for eligible children. Additional paid sessions are also offered.
Weduc provides learning updates. Squirrels families can also see the class’s core texts and activities to try at home.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline.
