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Nursery at Whitegate Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 lead into paint mixing, maths problems and discoveries about living things at Whitegate. This maintained nursery school on Victoria Road, Padiham, serves children aged 2 to 5, with classes named The Den, The Hive and The Burrow. It is a nursery school in its own right, so the next step is primary school elsewhere.
In June 2025, children generally learned well and felt secure with familiar staff. The picture also carried two clear concerns: teaching did not consistently help children grasp and remember new ideas, and some minor behaviour problems continued unchecked, disrupting learning. Those are useful points to weigh alongside the practical day.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children's learning, development and care. Here, that means building conversation, physical skills and relationships alongside early maths, literacy, creative work and understanding the world. Whitegate's Image of the Child expresses its aims for curiosity, imagination, confidence and persistence.
Story Starters gives that curriculum a concrete thread. A book remains the focus for two or three weeks, linking vocabulary, activities and mathematical problems. Dear Zoo features in The Den; The Colour Monster and The Very Hungry Caterpillar feature in The Hive and The Burrow. In The Den, each session finishes with a story, and repeating the same book for two weeks gives children time to recognise pictures, discuss characters and anticipate events. Related activities include pattern making, sorting and sensory exploration.
Outdoors, a large open area gives children room to practise movement and coordination, with equipment for balance and strength. Waterproof suits and wellies are supplied; only very wet weather brings outdoor play indoors. Children also help prepare playdough and mix paint, making practical tasks part of learning. Dough Disco uses playdough with finger and hand movements to practise control. In June 2025, farm trips and watching ducklings and caterpillars develop gave children direct experiences of animals and change.
Every child has a key person, giving the family a dependable adult relationship. Settling starts with family meetings, home or nursery visits and a stay and play session. Parents can remain for the first few sessions when separation is difficult, with regular conversations about how their child is managing. Teachers work alongside teaching assistants, and the team includes a family support worker and a teaching assistant with a SEND role.
Snacks during both sessions include options such as vegetable sticks, fruit, hummus and toast, with milk or water; drinking water remains accessible throughout the day. Meals are prepared by the setting's cook, and children practise serving themselves. Families supply nappies and wipes when needed, while staff work with parents on toilet training. These routines make independence something children practise in ordinary moments.
In June 2025, support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities was a strength: needs were recognised promptly, with nurture sessions and interventions helping children settle into learning. Safeguarding was effective. Parentapps Connect carries messages and school information, while books and story sacks extend shared learning at home.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline.
Preparation for that move includes a School Readiness Pack, transition stories and independence checklists. These give families practical ways to discuss starting school and practise self-care; they do not secure admission.
Whitegate operates during term time for 38 weeks. Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.45pm to 3.45pm. Families using a free 15- or 30-hour nursery entitlement can add breakfast, lunch or after-school provision. Fees are payable monthly in advance; contact the school for current charges.
Early Years Care supplies wraparound, subject to availability, with breakfast from 7.30am to 8.45am and after-school options ending at 4.45pm or 6pm. This is a separate provider sharing the site and was outside the June 2025 school inspection.
For enquiries, call 01282 772283 or email office@whitegate.lancs.sch.uk. Children need comfortable clothes for messy activities and a labelled bag containing changes. Bring children into their room and tell staff who will collect them; a password arrangement can be used for collection.
The school serves children aged 2 to 5.
Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoon sessions are 12.45pm to 3.45pm. Whitegate operates for 38 weeks during term time.
Families have home or nursery visits and a stay and play session. Children who find separation difficult may have a parent stay during their first few sessions.
Yes. The separate Early Years Care provider offers breakfast and after-school sessions, subject to availability. Enquiries go through the main office.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, meeting the relevant deadline.
