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Nursery at Mereside Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Toothbrushing, shared meals and time to explore give Mereside’s nursery day a practical, everyday character. Children start from age 2 at this school nursery in Blackpool, with adult-led learning alongside activities they choose for themselves. Independence is part of the routine, from washing hands to deciding what to explore in the classroom.
A register begins the day, followed by a mixture of guided activities and independent exploration. Adults lead work on communication, early number skills, creativity and literacy. Classroom activities also give children time to follow their own interests and tackle problems at their own pace. That balance gives families a picture of both supported learning and opportunities to make choices.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework used here. In everyday terms, the nursery combines learning activities with communication, physical play and developing independence. Children’s development is observed and assessed so that planning can respond to their needs, rather than treating the group as if everyone were at the same point.
Outdoor play takes place when the weather permits, giving children opportunities to move, explore nature and play together. Indoors, the classrooms support independent exploration. The day also includes a communal meal: eating together provides another opportunity to practise social skills alongside the learning activities.
Teaching consistency. In July 2024, curriculum delivery was uneven across some subjects in the curriculum extending from early years onwards, and checks on learning sometimes missed gaps or misunderstandings. Families should weigh those concerns alongside the nursery’s daily activities and care routines.
Children starting Nursery attend Play and Stay sessions. In July 2024, teachers built positive relationships early, staff helped nursery children become familiar with routines, and the two-year-olds adjusted quickly. Those routines helped children participate in play with others.
Handwashing, toileting and brushing teeth after breakfast or snack are built into the day. These are opportunities to practise looking after themselves, rather than care tasks sitting apart from learning. Children also eat a meal together; the nursery describes it as nutritious.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), WellComm communication assessments help identify speech and language needs. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, with parents involved alongside the SENCO, SEND Manager and other professionals. Blackpool Council’s Area SENCO and Early Years Advisory Teachers can contribute guidance. This gives families a route to discuss needs and revisit support as their child develops.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority in the oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027; Blackpool residents can apply online through Blackpool school admissions.
Transition support is a separate matter. Where additional needs require planning, meetings bring together families, settings and supporting professionals, and transition information is shared for children involved with the Early Years Inclusion Team. The purpose is continuity of support, not an admissions advantage.
Request a nursery application pack from the Academy Office on 01253 761531. Nursery admission is handled separately from the application for a primary school place, so this is the starting point for joining the nursery.
School visits can also be arranged through the office on the same number. For SEND discussions, families can contact the SENCO or SEND Manager through admin@mereside.fcat.org.uk.
The nursery educates children from age 2.
They combine adult-led learning with independent classroom exploration, outdoor play when weather permits, personal care routines and a shared meal.
Children starting Nursery attend Play and Stay sessions. In July 2024, the provision for two-year-olds helped children settle quickly and play cooperatively.
No. It does not guarantee admission or confer oversubscription priority. A separate application goes through the home local authority; the deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Contact the Academy Office on 01253 761531.
