Clayton-le-Woods Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Two classrooms and three outdoor spaces give Willow Class a day that extends beyond its own room. This is the school's Pre-School class, part of an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit alongside Ash Class, its Reception neighbour. Willow provides a classroom base, while children can move between both rooms and outside during the day. That makes contact with older children part of ordinary nursery life.

The Church of England character reaches into activities through Questful RE and shared celebrations, including an EYFS nativity. For families, faith is part of the nursery experience as well as the school's identity.

Play, exploration and children's interests shape the EYFS curriculum here. In parent language, learning involves trying things, staying involved and working out ideas, rather than simply completing adult-set tasks. Planning changes to suit each cohort's interests and needs. Wonderful words and helicopter stories support language and storytelling, while Read Write Inc provides phonics teaching in groups organised by attainment.

Indoors, the Construction Area, Small World Area and Role Play Area give children different ways to build, imagine and act out ideas. Sand and water provision sit alongside painting, reading and writing spaces. The Funky Fingers Area adds another distinct part of the indoor provision. Children have choices across practical, imaginative and language activities.

Outside, the EYFS outdoor classroom and infant playground are joined by the Welly Wednesday space, which includes a mud kitchen and the school field. Pre-School children have made bug hotels to take home, a concrete example of outdoor learning becoming something they can share with their families. These spaces extend the possibilities for exploration beyond the classroom.

Adults work across the EYFS unit with children from both classes. The key person system includes observing children, identifying their next steps and supporting areas where they need encouragement. Key person time and circle time also make room for discussing feelings and listening to other children's views.

Parents can spend time in the classroom each morning, explore activities with their child and discuss achievements. Willow's mascot, Elmer, goes home with selected children, while WOW moments allow families to contribute achievements from outside school. Half-termly EYFS updates and parents' evenings provide further contact about learning and progress.

A weekly Monday myHappymind session includes Pre-School, giving emotional wellbeing a regular place in the timetable. For concerns about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents start with the class teacher and can then meet the SEND coordinator if necessary. The school's Early Help route also connects families with a Family Support worker or other agencies through the office.

Shared classrooms, outdoor spaces and adults give nursery children familiarity with the EYFS unit before the next stage. A graduation celebration marks the end of Pre-School for children moving on to Reception. These are experiences of continuity, rather than admission entitlements.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Lancashire County Council's online school admissions route and meet the deadline for their entry year. Applications on faith grounds also require a Supplementary Form for Faith Reference, returned to the school.

Drop-off runs from 8:40 to 8:50, with Pre-School collection at 3:15pm. Both use the infant playground and EYFS gate. Children arriving after the doors close should be taken to the school office. The EYFS lunch period runs from 11:30am to 12:30pm, providing a midday break in the timetable.

For enquiries, contact the office on 01772 335030 or email bursar@clayton-le-woods.lancs.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged by telephone. This gives families a direct way to see the setting before choosing it.