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Nursery at Heathfield Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, daily squiggle sessions and a large natural outdoor space give Heathfield’s early years provision its character. Learning combines deliberate teaching with resources children can explore independently. There is room for movement as well as concentration.
At Heathfield Primary School on Henniker Road, Bolton, First Steps provides 50 places for two-year-olds, alongside a 52-place Nursery admitting children from the term after their third birthday. These are distinct parts of the school’s early years provision. Ofsted’s April 2026 inspection judged early years to reach a Strong standard; that judgement covers the early years phase rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum connects seven areas of development. For younger children, communication, physical development and personal and social skills are central: learning to express an idea, coordinate a movement and develop independence all belong in the day. Stories and experiences beyond the classroom provide starting points for learning. Familiar rhymes, repeated story phrases and role play give children several ways to revisit an idea.
Daily squiggle sessions make the preparation for writing physical. Children practise larger movements to strengthen coordination, then recreate shapes with crayons on paper. Widgit symbols accompany vocabulary, giving children a visual route into the meaning of new words. Resources for independent play are selected deliberately, so learning can continue while children explore for themselves.
Outside, the large natural space supports exploration of the world around them, with climbing and freedom to move. Children can try ideas on a bigger scale. In April 2026, early years activities included bike riding, sticking and gluing, while story language appeared in children’s play with foam bricks. Adult conversations helped children extend their thinking and spoken language.
Established routines help children become more independent. In April 2026, early years staff supported considerate behaviour and manners, and children were happy and felt secure. Expectations also extended to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who developed the knowledge and skills needed for their next learning stage. The team was well trained and understood children’s interests and needs.
Tapestry connects home and nursery. Staff share learning through the platform, while families can contribute photographs, videos and messages. This gives parents a practical way to pass on information beyond busy collection times. Termly home tasks include self-help skills, and visual resources support families with bedtime, toilet and morning routines.
Heathfield’s SEND approach includes targeted support and, where needed, a Personal Learning Plan to set individual targets. Families can arrange a discussion with the SEND team through senco@heathfield.bolton.sch.uk. This provides a direct route to talk about barriers to learning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet its deadline. Heathfield directs Reception admissions to the Local Authority’s Pupil and Student Services, while nursery enquiries go to the school office. Treat these as separate applications when planning ahead.
Preparation for the next stage includes vocabulary, physical coordination and independence. These are useful foundations, but they do not secure admission. In April 2026, the inspection’s next step was to maintain effective teaching and curriculum delivery so that learning in early years continued to develop further.
Morning Nursery sessions last three hours and start at 8:40am; afternoon sessions run from 12:10pm to 3:10pm. Children taking 30 hours attend from 8:40am to 2:40pm, with a paid extension to 3:10pm. Contact the school for current charges.
Up to 16 Nursery places can follow the 30-hour pattern, subject to availability and an eligibility code. The governing board reviews this number against staffing and demand. Additional sessions can be purchased where capacity permits, so families needing longer attendance should consider that condition when choosing a pattern.
For First Steps or Nursery enquiries, telephone 01204 333595. School tours can be booked through the office or parents@heathfield.bolton.sch.uk.
First Steps is for two-year-olds. Nursery places are offered from the term after a child turns three.
Nursery has up to 16 places on this pattern, subject to availability and parents providing an eligibility code. Attendance runs from 8:40am to 2:40pm, with a paid extension to 3:10pm.
Early years staff use Tapestry to share learning. Parents can also send messages and contribute photographs and videos from home.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority process. Heathfield directs families to Pupil and Student Services.
Call the school office on 01204 333595 for First Steps or Nursery enquiries. To book a school tour, contact the office or email parents@heathfield.bolton.sch.uk.
