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Nursery at Intack 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ducklings gives three and four-year-olds a teacher-led start at Intack Primary School, with learning that extends beyond the classroom. The nursery belongs to the school on Whitebirk Road in Blackburn. Its character comes from half-termly topics, an Outdoor Classroom and an early-years curriculum that puts relationships alongside reading and number work.
A new topic each half term connects activities indoors and outdoors, with children exploring alongside adults and other children. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven areas. In parent language, that means developing conversation and listening, managing feelings and friendships, moving confidently, beginning reading and writing, exploring numbers, understanding the world and creating things. Learning to get along has its own place in the day.
Physical development includes both larger movements and the smaller hand movements needed for detailed tasks. Mathematics covers number and patterns, while creative learning includes making with materials and imaginative expression. These give children different ways to participate, rather than making early learning solely about letters and counting.
The Outdoor Classroom has sponsorship from EG Group. Forest School also forms part of the early-years approach: the school aims to develop independence, confidence and resilience through creative outdoor learning and opportunities to take risks. This adds a practical dimension to the curriculum's study of the natural world.
At the inspection on 29 and 30 June 2022, early-years children followed established routines, practised listening and taking turns, and began phonics, with reading books matched to the sounds being taught and helpful support for children needing to keep pace. These are useful foundations for joining group activities and beginning to read. The same inspection required clearer decisions about essential knowledge in a minority of subjects, with the improvement action extending from early years onwards; families should weigh that curriculum concern alongside the reading findings.
For children with additional needs, the school says it makes reasonable adjustments and works with families and, where needed, specialist services. The SENDCo maintains and updates the school's register of needs. This gives parents a route for discussing support that goes beyond ordinary classroom provision.
Parents seeking help from external services can contact the office and ask for the SENDCo or Family Support Manager. Having those roles available makes the first conversation straightforward: families can explain their child's needs and discuss the help they are seeking.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Blackburn with Darwen's primary admissions process, using the council's online form or a paper application. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.
Transition has a different purpose: helping children become familiar with their next classroom and teacher. Intack nursery children usually visit their new classroom at least weekly during the second half of the summer term. Their next teacher also spends time with them regularly, playing and reading stories. Existing class teachers adapt this process, giving children opportunities to build relationships before the move. Those visits support familiarity; they do not secure admission.
The funded 15-hour pattern consists of five morning sessions or five afternoon sessions. Places normally begin in the term after a child's third birthday. Eligible children can receive 30 hours, and parents must give the school a valid eligibility code. The code application must be made by the end of the month before the new term begins.
Additional sessions can be purchased. Ask the school office for current charges. For nursery applications, use Blackburn with Darwen's Free Early Education route or collect a form from the office. Places are allocated in order of application, with a waiting list when places are full.
Enquiries go to 01254 52815 or office@intack.blackburn.sch.uk. The office provides a direct starting point for arranging the nursery application and discussing additional sessions.
The nursery is for children aged three to four, with places normally starting in the term after their third birthday.
They are taken as five morning sessions or five afternoon sessions each week.
Yes, for eligible children. Parents must provide a valid eligibility code and apply for it by the end of the month before the term starts.
No. A separate application is required through Blackburn with Darwen's primary admissions process.
They usually visit their next classroom at least weekly during the second half of the summer term. Their next teacher also visits regularly to play and read stories with them.
