Daisyfield Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and conversation give Little Daisies its clearest character: this is Daisyfield Primary School’s pre-school, with language development a central part of early learning. It sits within the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision on Clinton Street in Blackburn.

Children can join in the year they turn three, provided their birthday falls before 31 August; a child born on 1 September waits until the following year. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 11 and 12 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework 2021 through the Daisyfield Dimensions Curriculum approach. In parent terms, this brings together learning to communicate, move confidently and build relationships, alongside early reading, maths, creative expression and discovering how the world works. The Lancashire Maths Curriculum supplies the named approach to mathematics in EYFS.

Play has a clear purpose. Children investigate, try ideas and persist with activities, while adults adjust their teaching to children’s different rates of development. Planning also draws on their interests and what staff know about them. This gives adults room to respond to the child rather than simply follow a fixed sequence.

In October 2023, early years teaching used storytelling, singing and rhymes to develop children’s communication. The Nursery classroom also had its own reading area, with books representing pupils’ backgrounds and cultures. Familiar experiences in books can help children feel included while giving them something to discuss. Language learning has a concrete setting here, as well as a place in the curriculum.

The pre-school teacher also holds the school’s SENDCo role, connecting nursery teaching with the coordination of special educational needs and disabilities support. Across the school, children on the SEND register have an Individual Learning Plan: needs, targets and planned support are brought together in plans that are shared with parents and reviewed regularly. Small-group work is among the support options, and outside specialists can become involved when school staff alone cannot meet a child’s needs.

Chatter Chums brings parents and nursery children into language learning together. This six-week targeted programme is suitable for children aged 18 months to three years. Parents practise a strategy at home between sessions, making everyday play part of the work on listening and speaking.

School meals are prepared on site by the kitchen team. Ask the school about meal arrangements for your nursery session. In October 2023, early years children also learnt about tooth cleaning and recognising healthier foods, linking care habits with learning.

Attending Little Daisies does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Blackburn with Darwen Council’s normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year. Registering interest in the nursery through the school is a separate step; it should not be treated as a Reception application.

The nursery morning starts at 8.40am. To register interest in Little Daisies, telephone the school on 01254 52108. School visits can be arranged by appointment, giving families an opportunity to see the setting before deciding.

Uniform is required for children in school. It includes a green cardigan or sweatshirt and a white polo shirt, both with the school logo, plus black trousers or a skirt. Pre-loved uniform is available through the school, providing another way to obtain the clothing children need.