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Nursery at Masefield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Child-chosen play and small-group teaching share the nursery day at Masefield, with communication a central aim. The provision serves three- and four-year-olds within Masefield Primary School in Little Lever, Bolton. It is a school nursery, with learning organised as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
For parents, the defining feature is that balance between children's interests and adult guidance. Children have opportunities to pursue their own ideas, while staff also lead activities in smaller groups. The school aims to develop independence, curiosity and the ability to communicate through both conversation and play.
Learning combines activities children choose with teaching led by adults. Continuous provision means learning opportunities that children can return to and explore, alongside small-group work. The EYFS curriculum builds from what children already understand and can do, helping them develop knowledge and skills for their next steps.
Books give that learning a clear focus. Staff select stories to read aloud for enjoyment and to introduce ideas, while familiar topics connect learning to children's experiences. Less familiar subjects and visitors encourage children to explore beyond what they already know. This makes conversation part of learning, rather than an activity reserved for a separate lesson. EYFS knowledge organisers have versions for children and parents, giving families a link to the learning. Developmental Milestones guide assessment, with ideas for home linked to the next age milestone. These include information for 36, 42 and 48 months, so parents can focus on their child's stage of development.
Early-years experiences include a traditional birthday party and visits to a farm and a park. These give children shared experiences to discuss and build on. Art showcases also include the early years, giving parents an opportunity to celebrate children's work. Indoors, the EYFS has shared banks of iPads, and classrooms have digital screens that can display an iPad's content to the group.
Support for communication extends beyond classroom activities. A speech and language therapist works across every age group in the school. Staff training includes Elklan, working memory and autistic spectrum disorder, while Ladywood Outreach provides advice and strategies. Parents with concerns can speak first to their child's class teacher, with the SENCo available for further discussion through the office.
Emotional support follows the school's Thrive Approach. The Hive supports children across the school, and individual Thrive Action Plans can involve painting, sand-tray play or model making, delivered individually or in small groups. Activities are matched to identified emotional and social needs, with parents involved in assessment. Plans are reviewed regularly to check progress. Across the school, parents are invited to parents' evenings and receive termly reports on progress and attainment. Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan have an annual review, with the SENCo keeping parents informed. This gives families scheduled opportunities to discuss support alongside raising concerns with staff.
Lunch can come from the school kitchen or from home as a packed lunch. Income-related free meals can include eligible nursery children when they attend both before and after lunch. That attendance condition matters for families planning sessions across the middle of the day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local-authority process by the normal deadline. The local authority coordinates Reception admissions, so arranging a nursery place and applying for school are separate tasks.
Morning nursery sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon sessions run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Nursery attendance hours vary between children. The school provides 15 funded hours per week for three- and four-year-olds, with some children eligible for 30 hours.
For nursery applications and enquiries about places, contact the office on 01204 333714 or office@masefield.bolton.sch.uk. Masefield describes demand as high and recommends registering interest early, potentially up to a year before a child starts. This is useful planning advice, rather than a promise of availability.
Masefield offers nursery places from age three, with its main nursery serving three- and four-year-olds.
The morning session is 8.45am to 11.45am, and the afternoon session is 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
The nursery provides 15 funded hours per week for three- and four-year-olds. Some children are eligible for 30 hours.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority's normal admissions process by the normal deadline.
Yes, or they can bring a packed lunch. Eligible nursery children can receive income-related free meals if they attend both before and after lunch.
