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Nursery at The Ferns Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, sound games and books children can choose for themselves give the nursery at The Ferns Primary Academy a clear reading emphasis. Daily stories sit alongside shared book talk and activities that help children hear the sounds within words. The starting point is listening and conversation.
Based at the academy on Plodder Lane in Farnworth, the nursery forms part of its early years provision. Ofsted’s January 2026 judgement for early years was Strong standard, covering the school’s early years rather than a separate nursery inspection. Teaching developed children’s language through adult conversation and new vocabulary, helping them use words more independently during play.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning into seven areas rather than separate school subjects. Here, children’s own choices sit alongside activities directed by adults. Learning zones, materials selected for children’s ages and sensory experiences provide opportunities to investigate and try ideas. Indoor and outdoor play also support movement, coordination and balance.
Phase One phonics begins in Nursery. Children practise attentive listening, talk with adults and one another, and encounter new words through poetry, rhymes, songs and stories. Oral sound blending and segmenting build the foundations for reading: joining sounds together and hearing the parts within spoken words. Books remain accessible for children to select during play. Little Land is the nursery and EYFS part of Northern Education Trust’s Reading Routes programme, giving this emphasis a named reading journey.
Mathematics uses a mastery approach: children explore a concept, practise it and apply it in different ways. The aim is understanding they can use independently, with language to explain their thinking. Early years computing introduces instructions and words describing position, while history begins with language about local buildings and the lives of parents and grandparents. These are familiar starting points for understanding a wider world.
Tapestry connects learning at home and in the setting. Parents can see activities and progress through the app and contribute examples from home, helping staff build a fuller picture of each child. Consultation meetings provide another opportunity to discuss development. Stay and play sessions, curriculum workshops and daily storybook borrowing give families practical ways to join in.
In January 2026, early years staff adjusted activities successfully for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), while leaders responded promptly when extra help was needed. Adults demonstrated learning and guided children as they practised. Individual support. The same inspection identified a school-wide need to make SEND adaptations more consistently effective, so the positive early years findings sit alongside a wider improvement priority. Consistency in behaviour management was also a school-wide next step.
An optional school meal is a charged extra for nursery families. Academy payments use ParentPay; contact the school for current meal charges.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their entry year. Bolton’s primary school admissions service is the route linked to the academy; its admissions team can be contacted on 01204 333333.
Preparation for starting school includes Starting Reception guidance for families, covering physical skills alongside emotional, personal and social development. This supports readiness. It does not change the admissions process.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30, and afternoon sessions from 12:15 to 15:15, Monday to Friday. These are distinct session windows, useful for planning collection and other family commitments.
The nursery offers 15 funded hours and 30 funded hours with a code. The optional meal charge is separate from those hours. General enquiries go through the academy office on 01204 471277, and families can arrange an academy visit through the office.
Sessions run Monday to Friday: mornings are 08:30 to 11:30 and afternoons are 12:15 to 15:15.
Phase One phonics develops speaking, listening and sound awareness through conversation, songs, rhymes, poetry and stories. Children also have daily stories and shared book talk.
Parents can view activities and progress through Tapestry, contribute learning from home and attend consultation meetings.
The nursery offers 15 funded hours and 30 funded hours with a code. An optional school meal carries a separate charge.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions route, by the deadline for the child’s entry year.
