Little Bells Pre-School at Belthorn Academy Primary School

Paint, chalk and clay give Little Bells a practical starting point for early learning. This is Belthorn Academy Primary School’s own pre-school, taking children from age 2 and forming part of the school’s early years community. Its identity is tied to the wider school: nursery children encounter its broader curriculum, while pre-school and Reception teachers plan learning together.

Teacher leadership is a defining feature. A qualified teacher leads the provision alongside practitioners with qualifications and experience, giving families a nursery with a teaching role built into its team structure.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Here, that includes opportunities to experiment with materials, develop ideas and talk about what children have made. The school’s Concept Curriculum adds questions to explore: Little Bells’ themes include celebrations, growing things and whether outdoors is the place to be. These give practical activities a shared subject to return to.

Marvellous marks introduces drawing through sensory exploration. Children make wax-crayon rubbings, try chalk against different surfaces and paint self-portraits. Foam, sticks in mud and sand offer other ways to make marks. The point is exploration with different tools and textures, rather than one finished picture.

Creative work extends into model-making. Children join materials, handle clay and playdough, and build vehicles or buildings from construction resources. They discuss what worked and how their creations could change. Easels and chalkboards sit among the surfaces used for drawing; local walks around Belthorn and welly walks take some activity beyond the classroom.

In February 2024, nursery children picked up routines promptly, responded to behavioural expectations and showed curiosity about learning. Early-years phonics began from entry, with consistent teaching. That brings an early reading strand alongside the practical creative work.

The pre-school team includes an Early Years Lead and pre-school assistants. The lead’s responsibilities also include mental health first aid, placing that role within the nursery team itself.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), teachers take responsibility for accessible lesson planning, supported by the school’s SEND coordinator. Parents are treated as partners in support, and early identification and intervention are part of the school’s approach. This gives families a route for discussing learning needs with the teaching team.

Attending Little Bells does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application online through the local authority. For the 2027–2028 intake, the closing date is 15th January.

For that intake, children enrolled at Little Bells receive oversubscription priority under criterion 5, ahead of other children under criterion 6. Higher categories still take precedence. Within a category, shorter home-to-school distance takes priority when applications exceed places.

Joint planning between the pre-school and Reception teachers supports continuity in learning. That educational connection is separate from the application and allocation process.

Little Bells offers paid and funded places from age 2; funded hours depend on individual circumstances. Contact the school for current charges.

Visits can be booked throughout the year for parents and children, with a time arranged to suit the family. To enquire or arrange a visit, call 01254 55620 or email office@belthornacademy.co.uk. The school is on Belthorn Road, Belthorn, near Blackburn, BB1 2NY.