Reedley Hallows Nursery School: the nursery day

Strawberry growing, early phonics and a home visit before the first session give Reedley Hallows its character: practical learning with language running through the day. This is a local authority maintained nursery school at Burnley Campus on Barden Lane, rather than nursery classes within a primary school. It caters for children aged 2, 3 and 4. Twinkle Tots, Butterfly Class, Ladybird Class and the Sunshine Room are named parts of the provision, with class teachers and teaching assistants.

Children combine activities they choose themselves with teaching led by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of learning. In parent terms, this means developing movement, relationships and communication alongside early reading, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. The nursery gives language a central role, so talking and listening are part of learning throughout the session.

Letters and Sounds Phase One provides the phonics approach. Children explore writing through marks and their names, while adult-led maths sessions sit alongside practical play involving sorting, quantities and shapes. Paint, crayons, imaginative play and dance give children other ways to express ideas. Familiar songs include 5 Little Ducks and 5 Little Speckled Frogs, giving families something recognisable to share at home.

The outdoor play area is treated as learning space. In July 2024, children played parachute games, grew strawberries in the grounds and cared for caterpillars and butterflies. These activities give learning about living things a concrete focus. Indoors, stories and selected play resources support exploration; signs, pictures and everyday objects help children understand routines.

The July 2024 inspection found that children generally learned well, but identified two weaknesses: some activities lacked a clear focus on the knowledge children needed, and a small number of adults needed stronger storytelling skills. These mattered because they limited deeper learning and some children’s developing interest in books. Staff training and support were required in both areas.

Settling begins before attendance. Families are offered a visit at home from the class teacher and key worker, followed by time together in nursery before a starting date is agreed. This gives parents an opportunity to discuss development and lets the child begin getting to know the adults. Staff contact families if settling causes concern.

Support can include a Targeted Learning Plan, individual adult help or resources for a specific skill. A speech and language therapist works in nursery one day every month, supporting targeted work, parent groups and staff training. The building includes a bathroom with specialist facilities for children with additional needs. Medical professionals are involved in support for long-term conditions.

In July 2024, additional needs were identified accurately and supported so children could learn with their peers. Adults helped younger children practise sharing and taking turns, and taught words for feelings. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that time. For 2025-26, lunch could be included with a morning, afternoon or full-day booking. Confirm current lunch-booking options with the office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application for primary school through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the primary-school application as two separate decisions.

Preparation here includes early phonics, communication and independence. Children practise everyday skills such as managing coats, washing hands and tidying toys, with adult help where needed. These are useful foundations for the next setting, rather than an admissions advantage.

The part-time pattern is five mornings or five afternoons each week. Afternoon sessions run from 12:40 to 15:40; the full-day option with lunch for 2025-26 ran from 08:40 to 15:40. Breakfast club runs from 08:00 to 08:40. A limited number of 30-hour places are offered for children whose working parents qualify.

For 2025-26, the charging structure distinguished between attendance with 15-hour funding, with 30-hour funding and without funding. Lunch and breakfast club could carry additional charges, depending on funding and booking. Parents eligible for 30 hours who chose not to pay for lunch club, or could not do so, could instead collect at 11:40 on Friday. Confirm current booking options, funded-hours arrangements, charges and the Friday collection alternative with the office.

Uniform includes a dark green logo sweatshirt or cardigan, a white or yellow polo shirt and grey or black bottoms. Wet-weather suits and wellies are supplied for very wet conditions. Visits can be arranged before applying. Enquiries go to the office on 01282 682285 or bursar@reedleyhallows.lancs.sch.uk.