Audley Infant School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and learning to share give Audley’s nursery its character. This is the nursery class within Audley Infant School on Queens Park Road in Blackburn, with early learning information for three and four year olds. The emphasis is on developing language and learning alongside other children.

Language development is a clear strength. In February 2024, nursery staff supported children’s language skilfully. Across the early years, children enjoyed familiar tales, singing and rhymes, while adults introduced both fiction and factual books. These give children different reasons to listen and talk, with books forming part of their early experience of learning.

The nursery sits within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the school’s early learning curriculum. Development Matters is the named guidance associated with its provision for three and four year olds. Learning begins with deliberately sequenced knowledge: in February 2024, the curriculum identified what children should learn and the order in which to introduce it. For parents, that means early learning has a planned direction.

Nursery topics include Superheroes, Frozen and Growing & Changing. These give families concrete starting points for conversations about learning. Social development matters too: children learn the rules early, and adults help them practise sharing and cooperating. In February 2024, early years children paid close attention to adults and willingly helped their friends. Learning to be part of a group runs alongside language and books.

Teaching assistants support every class, with additional work in small groups or catch-up programmes when needed. The school aims to remove obstacles to participation and adapts learning objectives to children’s needs. This gives support a place within classroom learning, rather than treating it as a separate concern.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), Audley works with families, external agencies and Blackburn with Darwen Local Authority. Support follows the SEN Code of Practice, with school provision and Education, Health and Care plans forming the two stated levels. Families can also use Blackburn with Darwen’s Local Offer for information about local services and support.

Meals are prepared at school by the catering team in an HMC approved kitchen, and meat comes from KQF halal suppliers. These are school catering arrangements; they should not be read as a nursery entitlement to a free lunch.

Attending Audley Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through Blackburn with Darwen’s school admissions route and meet the deadline for their admission year. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions. The school offers help with the application process, which gives families a practical point of support.

General enquiries go through the school office on 01254 52065. The address is Queens Park Road, Blackburn, BB1 1SE.

Uniform is non-statutory in Nursery. The school uniform includes grey trousers or a skirt, a green polo shirt and a green jumper or cardigan, with school logos on the green items. Black shoes or boots should be plain and sturdy. Clothing should be labelled clearly, and families experiencing difficulties with uniform can contact the school for help.