Waddington and West Bradford Pre-School Review

Painting, counting treasures and sharing stories give Waddington and West Bradford’s pre-school its character: learning through things children can make, handle and talk about. This is the nursery provision within Waddington and West Bradford Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, on West Bradford Road in Waddington. It takes children aged 3 who are in the academic year before starting school.

The pre-school aims to help children become independent, develop friendships and use their imagination. Its place within a Church of England school also gives families a clear picture of the wider ethos: the school aims to encourage service and respect for others through its Christian values.

Play provides the starting point. Children paint, explore practical activities, share stories and count objects, with outdoor adventures alongside creative work. Early literacy and number learning sit within these experiences rather than being described only as separate subjects. For parents, that means the learning includes conversation, exploration and making things.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes developing communication, understanding numbers and learning about the world. Red Rose Phonics is used in early years teaching, giving sound learning a named approach. Alongside these foundations, the pre-school aims to develop children’s confidence with other people and their ability to tackle simple problems.

In March 2023, Ofsted found that early years children enjoyed stories, with selected books revisited repeatedly to help children remember them. There was also an important curriculum concern: in a small number of learning areas, the knowledge and skills needed from the early years had not been planned precisely enough. Curriculum sequencing. The improvement required clearer decisions about what children should learn and in what order. Families should weigh the story-based learning alongside that specific concern about how learning builds over time.

Partnership with families is part of the pre-school’s stated approach. It aims to involve parents in children’s development, making home and school a shared part of the learning experience.

For additional needs, SEND enquiries go to senco@wwb.lancs.sch.uk. Within the EYFS, physical development is tracked through half-termly reviews of play and learning provision. Children identified with gaps in movement skills or linked special educational needs receive tailored intervention, giving physical development a specific place within support.

Breakfast Club includes cereal or toast with fruit juice. The longer WASP Club afternoon session includes a snack; the shorter session does not. That distinction matters when choosing care around the nursery day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Applications for this school’s Reception class go through Lancashire County Council’s school admissions service.

Preparation for school is a separate matter. The pre-school focuses on language, confidence in social situations and early problem-solving. These are practical foundations for the next stage, rather than an admissions entitlement.

Extended care around school hours runs from 7.45am until 5.45pm for pre-school children. WASP Club has a shorter afternoon option from 3.20pm to 4.20pm, Monday to Friday, and a longer option from 3.20pm to 5.45pm, Monday to Thursday. The later finish therefore depends on the day booked.

ParentPay registration is required to book regular or occasional Breakfast Club and WASP Club places. These are charged services; contact the school for current charges. For pre-school enrolment enquiries, telephone 01200 422915 or email bursar@wwb.lancs.sch.uk. School visits can also be arranged through the office, giving families a direct way to discuss joining.