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Nursery at Longshaw Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Morning Doodle, Can Do Music and Write Dance give Longshaw's nursery day a recognisable rhythm: shared activities sit alongside longer stretches of play and small-group time. The provision covers ages two to five on Crosby Road in Blackburn, with separate provision for younger children and the nursery year. Longshaw Nursery School is federated with Longshaw Community Infant School.
Confidence and independence are practical priorities. In April 2024, children understood daily routines, cooperated with others and helped to tidy up. These are useful foundations for joining a group and managing the small demands of a nursery session.
Registration, whole-class activities, continuous provision and key worker groups shape the sessions. Big Book activities and Can Do Music feature alongside maths and Write Dance. Longer periods of continuous provision give children time for play between the shared activities, rather than a day made entirely of short group tasks.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and care together. Longshaw uses this framework and emphasises responding to children's interests and individual needs. Physical activities develop the muscles children need for drawing and writing, connecting movement with early mark-making.
In April 2024, language learning ran through books, songs and nursery rhymes. Adults introduced vocabulary through activities, while children beginning to speak received help through gestures and simple words. Experiences also included pumpkin carving and birthday-cake making; visits from the fire brigade and a local dentist connected learning with people who help others.
Teaching consistency. In April 2024, a few activities lacked a sufficiently clear focus on the knowledge children should gain. Learning in those activities was less developed than it could be. This is a useful point for families to weigh alongside the variety of experiences.
Children settled readily and were happy in April 2024. Adults helped them express feelings and gave additional support where needed. Clear expectations supported calm classrooms, making it easier for children to take part in activities together.
Key worker groups form part of the daily timetable. Between 24 and 36 months, teachers and key workers complete a written development summary covering language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development. Parents contribute their understanding of their child's interests and needs, and agree support with staff, including involvement from health professionals where necessary.
Food and care routines also teach independence. In April 2024, snacks included vegetables and fruit, children practised handwashing before eating, and toothbrushing took place before leaving. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received support and resources to participate in the same curriculum as their peers. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that time.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For Longshaw Community Infant School, the route is through Blackburn with Darwen's local authority admissions team.
Preparation for school and admission are separate matters. In April 2024, learning progressed from the younger children's provision into the nursery year, with the curriculum designed to prepare children for Reception. That educational preparation does not secure an offer of a place.
Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45; afternoons run from 12:30 to 15:30. The nursery operates during term time. Its 30-hour funded pattern runs from 8:45 to 15:30, with lunch club between 11:45 and 12:30. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45 to 8:45 and is restricted to three- and four-year-olds, so younger children cannot use that earlier start.
There are 15-hour and 30-hour funded places, subject to eligibility. Nursery applications can be made online, with application forms for the two-to-three and three-to-four provision. For enquiries, contact the nursery office on 01254 260534 or office@longshawnursery.blackburn.sch.uk.
The provision covers ages two to five, including provision for two-year-olds.
Morning sessions are 8:45 to 11:45 and afternoon sessions are 12:30 to 15:30. The 30-hour funded pattern runs from 8:45 to 15:30, including lunch club from 11:45 to 12:30.
Yes. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45 to 8:45 for three- and four-year-olds only.
Longshaw offers 15-hour and 30-hour funded places, subject to eligibility. The nursery opens during term time only.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Applications for Longshaw Community Infant School go through Blackburn with Darwen's local authority admissions team.
