Coppull Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Natural objects, nursery rhymes and daily movement give Coppull’s nursery its character. Little Acorns serves children aged 2–3; Blossom takes ages 3–4. Both sit within Coppull Primary School and Nursery, with separate spaces suited to each age group.

The team includes a qualified teacher, a higher level teaching assistant and Early Years practitioners. At the Ofsted inspection on 14 and 15 June 2022, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Little Acorns combines a roomy indoor base with a sizeable natural outdoor space. Children explore natural materials and everyday objects, with seasonal changes providing opportunities to learn about nature. Daily physical activities include Squiggle Me into a Squiggle, supporting small hand movements as well as larger body movements.

Blossom has two rooms and a large outdoor area, plus computers and iPads. Children combine activities led by adults with play they choose themselves. They make decisions, tackle problems and revisit what they have done. Staff join their play and adjust questions to each child’s development, so adult input connects with the activity already holding their attention.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning across language, early literacy, number and physical development. Blossom sessions begin with registration and include daily maths, phonics and literacy. Counting, shapes and simple calculations are explored indoors and outside; stories can be shared in a whole group or smaller groups for closer adult interaction.

Language has named tools behind it. Concept Cat teaches core vocabulary, while Poetry Basket adds poems to children’s experience of words. Books, songs and rhymes give children opportunities to listen and speak. Phonics Bug starts in nursery, with children learning to recognise starting sounds and blend sounds aloud. Blossom also uses dough disco and Squiggle whilst you Wiggle for movement, with access to the school hall and visiting PE coaches.

Phonics consistency. In June 2022, some staff occasionally departed from the agreed reading approach, making early reading teaching inconsistent. Consistent practice is therefore a useful focus when discussing children’s learning with staff.

Settling was a positive feature in June 2022: children in the two-year-old provision adapted quickly to activities and routines. Little Acorns emphasises relationships with parents and aims to help children feel comfortable enough both to explore and to settle into quieter moments. Families can contact nursery staff through Class Dojo.

Additional needs have a clear support structure. The nursery manager also holds a SENCo role, and children on the SEND register have individual support plans identifying needs, targets and interventions. These are shared with parents and reviewed regularly, giving families a basis for discussing support. In June 2022, early years systems identified additional needs effectively.

Lunch care is available to nursery children. The school kitchen makes items including naan bread and pizza, offers vegetarian choices daily and caters for allergies and food intolerances. After-school care includes a snack, with a meal also offered during the late session.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process. Lancashire County Council determines the school’s admission arrangements.

Preparation for the next classroom happens through everyday routines: Blossom brings children together for registration, combines independent choices with adult-led tasks and includes daily literacy, maths and phonics. These experiences help children practise taking part in group learning. They do not secure admission.

Families can choose mornings, afternoons, full days or a full week. Afternoon nursery runs from 12:30 to 15:30; lunch care runs from 11:40 to 12:30 and enables a full-day arrangement. Free and paid sessions are offered from age two, with nursery places available throughout the year.

Wraparound options include breakfast club from 07:30 and mini-breakfast from 08:15. After-school collection choices are 16:00, 17:00 and 18:00. Main breakfast club requires booking and payment at least 24 hours ahead; after-school care is booked and paid for in advance through SCOPay. Ask the school for current charges.

For enquiries, contact the office on 01257 791237 or office@coppullprimary.lancs.sch.uk. Guided tours can be booked through the office and usually take around one hour.