Marton Minis at Marton Primary Academy and Nursery

Three-hour sessions and speech and language screening give Marton Minis a clear practical shape. This is the nursery within Marton Primary Academy and Nursery in Blackpool, welcoming children from age two. Nursery applications go directly to the school, so families have a separate starting point from the council-run school admissions process.

Language is a concrete focus. Every nursery child has Wellcom screening to identify speech and language delay, while staff use strategies from Early Talk Boost, Hanen and I CAN 0-5’s. That gives communication support a place within nursery provision rather than leaving it solely to a referral elsewhere.

In May 2023, nursery children, including two-year-olds, began exploring letter sounds through their own names. This makes an early encounter with letters personal and familiar. Children generally responded to instructions, and the youngest children enjoyed their learning, paid attention and played sensibly.

Marton’s curriculum aims, extending from nursery onwards, include confident communication, empathy and perseverance. For parents, the emphasis is on how children express themselves and learn alongside others as well as their first academic skills.

A nursery teacher works alongside nursery nurses, with early years leadership and SENCo support. The teacher holds Qualified Teacher Status and a paediatric first aid certificate. This puts teaching and practical care roles within the same team.

Support for additional needs includes an Inclusion Leader and SENDCo working full time, plus Special Needs Support Assistants helping children individually or in groups. Links with speech and language therapists and physiotherapists bring specialist input. Parents are encouraged to help set and review their child’s Individual Education Plan targets, giving families a role in deciding the next steps.

Physical access has concrete provision too: the site occupies one level, accommodates wheelchairs and has adapted toilet and changing facilities, alongside a physiotherapy room. These features matter for children who need support with mobility or personal care.

Breakfast, milk and fruit come within session fees. At lunchtime, families can choose a school meal or a packed lunch; lunch is charged separately. That distinction matters when planning attendance across both nursery sessions.

Attending Marton Minis does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Blackpool Council and meet the deadline for their entry year. The council allocates school places using its admissions criteria, while the school handles nursery applications itself.

Preparation for children joining Reception includes a summer induction meeting for parents and taster sessions in June and July. These give families opportunities to become familiar with routines, staff and the building. They are transition activities, separate from the decision about a place.

Nursery runs during term time, Monday to Friday. Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon sessions run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The lunchtime session bridges them from 11.45am to 12.30pm.

Both 15-hour and 30-hour grants are accepted for morning or afternoon attendance, covering five or ten sessions respectively. Nursery and lunch payments use My Child At School, with lunch invoiced separately. Contact the school for current charges.

Extended care. The Out of School Group provides wraparound care between 8am and 5.30pm for three- and four-year-olds. Families with a two-year-old need to plan around the nursery sessions.

Application forms are collected from the main office. For nursery enquiries, email nursery@mpa.bright-futures.co.uk or telephone 01253 838 556.