Wensley Fold CofE Primary Academy Nursery Review

Stories and spoken language give Wensley Fold’s early years provision its clearest character. In September 2023, children enjoyed listening to stories and developed the communication skills they needed for learning. For parents, that puts conversation and books at the centre of the early learning picture.

The nursery class belongs to Wensley Fold CofE Primary Academy on Manor Road in Blackburn. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 13 and 14 September 2023. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection.

Language development matters here. In September 2023, most children entering early years had English as an additional language, and they acquired language and communication skills quickly. That gives families whose children are learning English a relevant indication of how early learning supported them at that point.

Story times bring children together around books. Early years children enjoyed these sessions, giving listening and shared stories a place in their learning. Phonics also began when children started school: they soon learnt to separate sounds in words and combine them again. For parents, the practical distinction is between enjoying a story and learning how written words work; the early years findings describe both.

Food brought from home comes with clear school rules. Packed lunches must exclude nuts, including peanut butter, and children cannot exchange food. These requirements matter for families managing allergies as well as those packing an ordinary lunch.

Fresh drinking water is provided, and leftover food returns home in the lunch bag. Parents can therefore see what their child has left uneaten. Lunches should contain vegetables and fruit, a starchy food, a protein source and dairy food. Insulated bags with freezer blocks are advised where possible because there is no fridge space for packed lunches.

Safeguarding concerns go first to the designated safeguarding lead or deputy. The school discusses welfare concerns with parents before sharing them unless doing so could conflict with the child’s welfare. That exception is part of the protection process.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority.

For September 2026 entry, nursery enrolment carried fourth priority when a child had been enrolled for the full year before the Reception application. Children whose Education Health and Care Plan names the school are admitted first. The ranked criteria then place looked-after and previously looked-after children, qualifying siblings, and children meeting the special medical or social circumstances criterion ahead of nursery enrolment. This is conditional priority, rather than an assured place. Within a category, nearer homes take precedence by straight-line distance. Equal distances or a cut-off within the same building are resolved by a computerised random draw.

That application cycle closed on 15 January 2026. Its deadline belongs to September 2026 entry, rather than a future intake.

Contact the school office on 01254 667449 or use the contact form for a nursery enquiry. The address is Manor Road, Blackburn, BB2 6LX.

School uniform combines a royal blue logo sweatshirt and pale blue logo polo shirt with grey trousers, a skirt or pinafore, plus black shoes. Clothing and bags must carry the child’s name, a practical preparation before starting.