Little Nessie’s Nursery at Bowness Primary School

Separate teaching spaces, shared play and outdoor learning each day give Little Nessie’s Nursery its character. Within Bowness Primary School in Little Lever, the nursery caters for up to 16 children aged 3 and 4. It forms part of an early years unit where nursery children have their own teaching space and opportunities to learn alongside older children.

The nursery aims to introduce children to school routines while working with families on their development. That makes the shared unit a practical part of the experience: familiar adults, activities and routines connect nursery life with the wider school.

Play does much of the teaching here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical and emotional development with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Children learn through practical experiences and structured play, with outdoor learning available daily. Separate teaching areas allow activities to suit the nursery age group; shared play gives children opportunities to learn from one another.

Me and My World, the first autumn nursery topic, starts with familiar people, feelings and routines. Children use small world resources to tell stories about their experiences, make collages and explore drawing materials. Puzzles, blocks and shapes introduce mathematical thinking through things children can handle and try out. Movement includes balancing, climbing and using wheeled toys, alongside practice with coats and zips.

Listening comes before formal reading. Familiar songs, stories and rhymes sit alongside listening to sounds from the environment and instruments. In July 2023, Ofsted found that nursery children developed their awareness of sounds and broadened their vocabulary, preparing them for reading. The emphasis gives early language a concrete purpose: expressing needs, talking about play and understanding stories.

Each child has a key person responsible for their progress and wellbeing. Settling also features in the curriculum: the autumn topic includes family stay and play, building relationships with adults and learning simple expectations. In July 2023, nursery children settled quickly as relationships with staff developed. Familiarity matters here.

For children staying over lunch, families provide a healthy packed meal or choose a school dinner paid through ParentPay. Bolton Local Authority Catering Services provides meals, including a daily vegetarian main-course choice alongside a meat option. Families should raise special dietary needs with the office; an individual catering plan requires a doctor’s note.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) includes adult help in class and work individually or in small groups. Parents can discuss concerns with the class teacher or SENCO, and support targets are reviewed termly. The school’s classroom arrangements include visual timetables and a quiet reading area or safe space, giving children practical ways to understand routines and take a break when needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027–2028 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate Reception application through Bolton Council at www.bolton.gov.uk/admissions, following the normal application timetable. Treat this as a separate decision from choosing nursery.

Classroom familiarity is useful preparation, rather than an admissions advantage. Nursery children share play and outdoor learning with Reception children. In July 2023, the older children demonstrated classroom routines during the time the groups learned together. For children with SEND, transition support may include extra settling sessions, visits and meetings with staff; a pupil passport carries information about their needs between stages.

Additional nursery care is organised in three-hour sessions alongside the government nursery grant scheme. Before provision starts, families must supply evidence of their child’s birth date and return an eligibility declaration. Parents using a 30-hour eligibility code must give the school their updated code every three months. Payments go through ParentPay; contact the school for current charges.

Changing attendance patterns. Ending provision or changing a pattern requires at least four weeks’ written notice to avoid charges. Absence still attracts the childcare charge, although meals are not charged during absence. Prompt collection matters too: late collection may bring an additional charge.

Nursery uniform includes a lime green Little Nessie’s jumper, bottle green polo shirt and grey bottoms, with black shoes and a nursery logo book bag. For enquiries, contact bowness@prestoleetrust.org or 01204 333140. Children must remain with an adult before 8:50am because the playground is unsupervised.

Attendance. In July 2023, some pupils across the school missed learning through irregular attendance, and improving this was an action for leaders. Establishing a consistent nursery routine is a useful family priority.