The Orchards Nursery School: language and learning together

Language gives this nursery its direction: first-hand experiences provide something to talk about, while stories and songs help children find the words. The Orchards Nursery School serves children aged two to four at the federation’s Lower Site in Farnworth, Bolton.

Its federation partners are Green Fold Special School and Cherry Tree Primary School. Buildings, expertise and staff are shared between the schools, placing nursery education within a wider team. The nursery remains the focus here: young children developing communication, independence and relationships.

The Foundation Stage curriculum centres on language and learning through direct experience. For parents, that means early education built around doing and communicating, rather than simply listening. Books, rhymes and songs give children ways to develop vocabulary; words and gestures help them express ideas and ask questions.

In March 2024, Ofsted found that staff supported language development effectively, including for the youngest children. Books were selected with vocabulary development in mind, and two-year-olds enjoyed familiar stories and songs. This gives communication a concrete place in the day, with adults helping children take part at their own stage of development.

Responsibility also has practical expression. Children cared for chicks and helped clear away resources, giving independence a purpose beyond completing an activity. Visits from police officers and firefighters introduced people whose work helps others. Festivals, themed activities and a pantomime visit added experiences beyond the immediate learning routine.

Curriculum detail. The March 2024 findings also identified two linked weaknesses in a few areas of learning: the knowledge to be taught needed greater precision, and checks on children’s understanding were inconsistent. Some children consequently developed less depth than they could, leaving them less ready for subsequent learning. For families, the useful distinction is between the language teaching strengths and the areas where planning and assessment needed further work.

Sharing, cooperation and consideration are taught from the two-year-old provision onwards. Older children learned to notice when a friend was distressed, while adults gave additional help with behaviour and managing feelings. Predictable routines and encouragement supported participation, with little disruption to learning in March 2024.

Snack time combined vegetables and fruit with handwashing beforehand. These are small, practical lessons in looking after oneself: food choices and hygiene become part of the routine rather than separate topics.

SEND support included assessment of additional needs and adjustments that enabled children to participate in the curriculum with their peers. The specially resourced provision catered for two-year-olds with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Activities were adapted to individual needs, with attention to communication and social interaction. Collaboration with families and external professionals helped coordinate that support.

Across much of the curriculum, staff had training in teaching young children, including two-year-olds. Safeguarding arrangements were effective in March 2024.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing nursery provision and applying for the next stage are separate decisions; federation membership should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.

The nursery’s Lower Site address is Highfield Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0RA. Enquiries can go to the federation office at office@theorchards.bolton.sch.uk. Its contact page invites families to email questions for a staff response, providing a direct starting point for contact.