The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Clevelands Prep School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conker collecting, woodland movement and imaginary birthday parties give Clevelands’ school nursery a practical, conversational character. Children’s interests help shape learning, while adults build the confidence needed to talk, make friends and attempt things independently. This is early education through activity and relationships.
The nursery class belongs to Clevelands Prep School in Bolton. It is distinct from the school’s separately registered provision for younger children, so the two settings’ inspection findings should not be treated as interchangeable.
Communication runs through the early years day. In September 2025, ISI described teaching that used stories, repeated language, gestures and signing where appropriate to develop children’s expression. Activities drew on interests such as gathering conkers and talking about family. Those familiar starting points helped children contribute ideas to conversations with adults and friends.
The Early Years Foundation Stage combines learning with physical and personal development. Here, that means weekly PE alongside wake and shake movement sessions, with woodland and playground activities developing balance, agility and coordination. Adults demonstrate movements for children to practise. Outdoor learning has a clear purpose beyond fresh air.
Imaginary play also rehearses everyday life. Children pretend to organise a birthday meal, arrange things by phone and manage bedtime routines. Adults model listening and taking turns, helping children understand both relationships and the practical expectations of being part of a group.
Warm relationships support growing independence. The September 2025 early years findings described adults judging when to help and when to let children try for themselves. Stories introduce language for emotions, giving children ways to explain feeling anxious, unhappy or pleased rather than relying solely on behaviour.
The inclusion policy covers EYFS and provides for teaching adjustments, progress monitoring and specialist help, including speech therapy where necessary. Families must disclose allergies, medical conditions and additional educational needs, allowing these to enter the discussion about whether the school can meet a child’s needs.
Safety and oversight. September 2025 brought failures affecting school health and safety, including unsecured hazardous substances and medication, fire-door practice, risk management, maintenance and washing facilities. The ISI monitoring inspection on 13 March 2026 found insecure safeguarding records, missing records of concerns about adults and outstanding fire-risk actions; unsuitable water temperatures affected older pupils’ bathrooms. The March inspection also found inadequate proprietor oversight and that the school did not meet all relevant Standards considered. These school-wide concerns matter when choosing the nursery. At that March visit, early years staffing ratios supported supervision, adults watched children eating and drinking for choking risks, and every early years staff member held paediatric first aid qualifications.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception is a separate entry point, and the admissions policy gives priority to children who have attended the school’s own Nursery and Pre-Prep class. That is a stated preference, rather than an unconditional place.
Places are offered through the school following a visit and a meeting with the headteacher. Families should treat the Reception offer as a distinct decision: the contract also makes progression between educational stages conditional on the school considering it appropriate.
The October 2024 Little Gems Nursery funding leaflet describes arrangements for three- and four-year-olds, spreading funding claimed over 38 weeks across 52 weeks. It states that the initial 15 funded hours begin in the term following the third birthday. Its 15-hour arrangement requires at least two full days; the 30-hour arrangement requires at least four. The additional 15 hours require eligibility checks and an application through Childcare Choices. Confirm with the school which arrangements apply to its distinct nursery class today.
That leaflet also lists additional charges for specialist dance, French, music and PE provision. Contact the school office at office@clevelandsprepschool.co.uk for current charges. Nursery registration follows a family discussion about meeting the child’s needs, with places allocated in order of registration.
No. The admissions policy gives priority to children who have attended the school’s own Nursery and Pre-Prep class, but attendance does not guarantee a place.
The September 2025 early years findings describe woodland and playground activities that develop coordination and agility, alongside learning linked to interests such as collecting conkers.
Adults use stories to develop emotional vocabulary and balance reassurance with opportunities for children to act independently.
The October 2024 Little Gems Nursery leaflet describes funding claimed over 38 weeks and spread across 52 weeks. Its initial 15 hours begin in the term following the third birthday, with at least two full days required. Its 30-hour arrangement requires four full days, eligibility checks and an application for the additional hours. It also lists specialist-provision charges. Ask the school which arrangements apply to the school nursery class today.
The March 2026 monitoring visit identified safeguarding-record failures and unresolved fire-risk actions. It also described appropriate early years supervision, attention to choking risks and paediatric first aid qualifications for all early years staff.
