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Nursery at St James' Church of England Primary School Blackburn
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School exploration and early language learning give this nursery its character. St James' Forest Pre-School and Nursery belongs to the primary school's early years provision, with places for children aged two, three and four. Its Foundation Stage Unit provides an early start within the school community.
The school describes its Christian ethos as inclusive of other faiths and beliefs. For families, the distinctive combination is a school nursery with a Forest School approach, rather than simply an earlier start to classroom lessons. Qualified teachers and trained Forest School practitioners support that approach.
Children choose activities themselves and also join tasks guided by adults. Short teaching activities within each session focus on particular skills with a teacher or key worker. This gives the day a mixture of exploration and focused learning, with children's interests helping to shape what happens next.
A spacious, bright classroom is paired with a large outdoor area used in different weather conditions. Forest School planning concentrates on movement, communication and children's social and emotional development. These are practical foundations for joining in, expressing needs and becoming more independent.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings those foundations together with early number work, literacy, creativity and learning about the world. Class texts help shape activities and introduce vocabulary. Mathematics uses NumberBlocks and objects children can handle, making number ideas something to explore rather than only listen to. Read Write Inc. supports early phonics, with reading materials matched to the sounds being learned.
In December 2022, Ofsted found that the curriculum for two-year-olds developed language, communication and social skills, while nursery children enjoyed rhymes and songs as they began learning to read. Early years children also understood when to listen and when to concentrate on an activity. Those details matter: learning here includes both the words children need and the routines that help them participate.
Each child has a key worker responsible for wellbeing and progress. Families receive spoken updates each day, alongside parent meetings and reports at the end of the year. That gives parents a familiar person to speak to and regular opportunities to discuss development.
Nursery staff observe what children understand and can do, using this to plan subsequent learning. They also complete a progress check for two-year-olds to support the Health Visitor's developmental check. Qualified teachers work with families and outside support agencies, and there is an EYFS SEND contact within the school team.
The December 2022 inspection found that children joining the school adjusted quickly and enjoyed learning together. Trusting relationships with staff helped early years children feel safe. Snacks and lunches can be purchased, giving families an optional food arrangement alongside childcare.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, meeting the applicable deadline. School admissions are handled by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Children's Services.
Preparation for the next stage is a separate matter. The nursery curriculum combines learning initiated by children with adult direction, while staff track development through observations. The school aims for children to finish preschool with the skills needed for learning in Reception; this educational preparation does not secure admission.
Entitled three- and four-year-olds can access 15 or 30 hours of funded early education each week, and paid childcare places are also offered. Full-day provision, including wraparound care, is offered for preschool children, subject to availability. Charges apply to some activities or sessions depending on the child's free-hour entitlement. Contact the school for current charges.
For nursery enquiries, call 01254 698335 or email office@stjames.blackburn.sch.uk. School tours can be arranged through the office, giving families a direct way to explore the setting before applying.
The early years provision caters for children aged two, three and four.
Forest School activities focus on physical development, communication and social and emotional development, with staff building on children's interests.
Each child has a key worker responsible for wellbeing and progress. Parents receive daily spoken updates, parent meetings and end-of-year reports.
Entitled three- and four-year-olds can access 15 or 30 funded hours each week. Snacks and lunches are available to purchase, and some activities or sessions attract charges depending on free-hour entitlement.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. School admissions are processed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Children's Services.
