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Nursery at Cedars 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two three-hour sessions give Cedars nursery its practical shape: a morning class and an afternoon class, with capacity for 52 children divided equally between them. This is the nursery class within Cedars Primary School in Blackburn, serving children aged 3 and 4. For families seeking a shorter nursery day, the session structure is the starting point.
Children usually begin in September following their third birthday. Entry in the term after turning 3 is also possible when spaces allow, so the actual start depends on both the child's birthday and available places.
Stories, sounds and number songs provide concrete starting points for learning. Nursery themes include farms, the seaside and emergency services, with firefighters, police and paramedics among the people explored. Books include Owl Babies, Elmer and Sharing a Shell. These give parents recognisable subjects to talk about with their child beyond the session.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning includes physical development, early number work and personal and social development. In practical language, the nursery's learning headings cover larger movements, smaller hand movements, patterns and forming letters, alongside Numberblocks and number songs. The emphasis spans movement and communication as well as early literacy and maths.
Phase 1 phonics focuses on listening and sounds. Environmental and instrumental sounds sit alongside voice sounds, rhyme and body percussion; blending and segmenting are also included. This gives early reading preparation a sound-based focus. Nursery rhymes and farm songs add further opportunities to explore words and rhythm.
For children needing additional support, the school works with external agencies on individual programmes and seeks to identify needs early. Parents are involved in that work, with advice and support offered through the partnership. The special educational needs coordinator is a contact for families, giving parents a route to discuss their child's needs.
Food is part of the conditional funded offer: a child may qualify for 30 hours of free childcare, including a school lunch, if both parents work. Keep the lunch arrangement and the childcare eligibility together when considering that option.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, including when their child already attends Cedars nursery. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as two separate decisions.
The council's Admissions Team manages Reception applications, and an online application route is provided through its enrolment service. Submit the application through the normal council process by the deadline for the relevant intake; a nursery application returned to Cedars does not replace it.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; the afternoon option runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Cedars also offers flexibility over attendance. The school offers 15 hours of free childcare to children aged 3 and 4, with the conditional 30-hour option described above.
Nursery application forms are collected from, and returned to, the school office. Families can contact the office on 01254 261609 or email office@cedars.Blackburn.sch.uk for information or to arrange a visit. That makes a visit a practical next step before choosing a session pattern.
The nursery serves children aged 3 and 4. Children usually start in September after their third birthday, with earlier entry in the following term possible when places allow.
Morning sessions are 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoon sessions are 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Flexibility over attendance is also offered.
No. A separate application must be made to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, even for children already attending Cedars nursery.
Cedars offers 15 hours of free childcare for children aged 3 and 4. If both parents work, a child may qualify for 30 hours, including a school lunch.
Collect and return the nursery application form at the school office. For information or a visit, call 01254 261609 or email office@cedars.Blackburn.sch.uk.
