Thornton-Cleveleys Red Marsh School Nursery Review

Personalised learning starts early at Red Marsh: children below statutory school age attend part time, with targets linked to their Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is specialist early education within a school admitting children from age 2 with special educational needs. Its youngest children are based at Willow Campus, one of the school's two campuses.

An important qualification frames the inspection picture. At the Ofsted inspection on 26 and 27 March 2024, no nursery-aged children were attending, although inspectors examined the curriculum and welfare requirements for that age group. Families should distinguish that assessment from observation of a nursery cohort.

Supported play, exploration and active participation shape the early years approach. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about communication, movement and relationships with early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. It gives children several ways to learn, rather than making early education solely about reading and number work.

Individual targets connect that curriculum to each child's EHCP outcomes. Age, readiness to learn and individual needs inform those targets, so children work towards learning suited to their development. The school aims for children to gain skills and knowledge that help them lead fulfilling lives.

Little Wandle is the school's phonics scheme. A daily personalised phonics session can involve intensive interaction or reading fluently, depending on the learner. That breadth matters in a specialist setting: the starting point is the child's communication needs. On Fridays, EYFS children are supported to choose a book from the school library/reading area, giving them a choice alongside structured learning.

Specialist teachers work alongside support staff in the EYFS department. Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language programmes are incorporated into the curriculum, while children needing additional help can receive personalised interventions, including sensory diet interventions. Learning and specialist support are therefore connected within the child's educational programme.

Family support also has a place in the school team. Senior leaders and the Family Support Worker liaise with health services, social care, police and young people's services to coordinate support for vulnerable pupils. Staff receive regular safeguarding training, with induction for new staff. These are school-wide arrangements supporting the provision, rather than a separate nursery inspection judgement.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact Lancashire County Council's SEND Department to confirm the process for your child's next placement.

Red Marsh is a local authority maintained special school operating under Lancashire County Council's admission arrangements. Admissions enquiries go through the local authority SEND Department on 01524 581200. The EYFS department's possible onward placements include Red Marsh classes, Great Arley School and mainstream settings. That makes the next step a question of the child's placement, rather than an assumption that everyone stays at Red Marsh.

Part-time attendance. Children below statutory school age attend only part time. Families should plan childcare around that arrangement; the school's opening hours of 9:10am to 3.30pm should not be treated as a nursery session booking.

Visits are welcomed, with parents able to bring a SEND Information Advice and Support Service Worker. General enquiries can go to admin@redmarsh.lancs.sch.uk or 01253 868451, allowing the office to direct the query to the appropriate team.

EYFS children must wear school uniform. A school logo is optional, and supermarket purchases are permitted if they follow school colours. Uniform can also be adapted to individual needs, making the clothing requirement compatible with a child's practical care needs.