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Nursery at Newfield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sand and water play, communication aids and learning shaped around each child give Newfield’s early years provision its character. The youngest learners follow Explorers, a pathway combining play with individual learning goals within this Blackburn special school. All pupils need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), so understanding a child’s needs is central to the provision.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 3 and 4 December 2024. There is an important qualification: children’s opportunities to learn through play varied because indoor and outdoor spaces were not used carefully enough. Families should weigh that concern alongside the personalised teaching approach.
Explorers draws on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with learning organised across seven areas. In everyday terms, children develop skills through play, supported interaction and activities adapted to their stage of development. Circle time, individual adult support and small groups give the day different ways to work towards personal goals.
Communication runs through these activities. Total Communication combines Makaton signing with photographs, objects and symbols to help children understand. Individual systems can include eye-gaze technology, voice output devices and picture exchange. This gives children ways to express themselves alongside spoken language.
Construction, pretend play and small-world activities sit alongside reading spaces and trays for exploring water and sand. Adults join children’s play, demonstrate language and help them learn to play with peers. Visual and sound cues support changes between activities. Movement breaks and sensory activities are also part of the approach, allowing support to fit the individual child.
In December 2024, children regularly experienced stories, songs and rhymes. However, uneven play opportunities limited some children’s exploration, concentration and pleasure in learning. Better use of resources and physical spaces was an explicit improvement priority. Ask to see how indoor activities connect with outdoor play during an agreed visit.
The class teacher acts as each child’s key person, taking responsibility for planning learning and assessing development. Small classes have familiar staff, with support organised around individual needs and independence. Explorers has an assistant head responsible for curriculum and staff development, with a master’s qualification in Autism Spectrum Conditions.
Settling starts before the first school day. After a place is offered, families have further contact and a visit so the child can become familiar with their class. The teacher and a deputy head almost always meet the child beforehand. In December 2024, children joining from the early years settled successfully into school routines.
ClassDojo lets parents exchange everyday messages with teachers and see photographs of learning. Evidence for Learning shares progress through images and videos. Urgent or serious concerns go through the school office.
Meals are prepared on site, with dietary needs considered. Selective eating and restricted preferences are addressed through the child’s personalised learning plan. Nuts and foods containing them must stay out of snacks and lunches. Education, Health and Care Assistants support medical needs, with competency training and annual nursing-team updates for administering medicines.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Placement at Newfield requires local authority agreement. Families should confirm the arrangements for their child’s Reception year with Blackburn with Darwen.
Explorers provides curriculum continuity across the early years and into Year Two. That shared approach concerns learning and relationships; it does not secure an admission outcome.
For enquiries, call 01254 588 600 or email enquiries@newfield.blackburn.sch.uk. Visits connected with requesting a place must go through Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Services, with written local authority confirmation before arrangements are made.
The school day opens from 8.45am, with registration by 9am and teaching ending at 3.10pm. Departure is between 3.15pm and 3.30pm, by transport or with parents and carers. These are school-wide timings.
Uniform takes account of children’s clothing preferences. Where a child accepts uniform, it includes dark trousers, joggers or a skirt, a white top and a school sweatshirt. Contact the school for current meal charges.
In Explorers, the class teacher is each child’s key person and plans and assesses their learning.
Total Communication uses objects, photographs, symbols and Makaton. Children also have individual communication systems, which can include eye-gaze technology and voice output devices.
Once a place is offered, the school arranges further contact and a visit. The class teacher and a deputy head almost always meet the child before they begin.
No. Placement at Newfield must be agreed with the local authority. Confirm the arrangements for your child’s Reception year with Blackburn with Darwen.
Meals are cooked on site and dietary requirements are considered. Selective eating is addressed through personalised learning plans. Snacks and lunches must contain no nuts or nut products.
