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Nursery at Hoddlesden St Paul's Church of England Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School, homemade sound shakers and a woodland play space give this pre-school a character built around exploration. It is the nursery provision at Hoddlesden St Paul's Church of England Primary School, for children aged 3 and 4. There are approximately 26 places per session, with the exact number depending on families’ session choices.
The school’s early years provision was graded Outstanding by Ofsted at the inspection on 10 and 11 December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play gives the day its shape, alongside number work and activities involving letters and sounds. Children alternate between learning independently, working with an adult and joining the whole group. Qualified teachers lead education in school term-time. During school holidays, the nursery team continues caring for children, with play and exploration taking greater emphasis under the Go Beyond Manager and School Business Manager.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move confidently and develop relationships with early literacy, mathematics, creative work and understanding the world. Activities respond to children’s interests. That makes play a way to practise skills, rather than simply a break between tasks.
Phase 1 phonics begins with listening and making sounds. Toy vehicles and animals prompt sound-making; children compare noises, repeat rhythms and accompany songs with claps or stamps. Rice or pebbles turn containers into shakers. Drawing and other mark-making let children express ideas while practising the hand control needed for writing.
Outside, the early years outdoor classroom provides room for balancing, climbing and construction. At dedicated times, children also use the school’s playing fields, trim trails, climbing frames and nature woodland play space. Forest School adds further opportunities to explore. These spaces give physical learning a place alongside the quieter work with books and drawing.
A key person regularly adds photographs, observations and videos to each child’s online learning journal. Parents can follow what their child is doing and how their learning develops. Early years staff also work with families on children’s skills and interests, connecting learning at nursery with what matters to the child at home.
Practitioners’ qualifications span apprenticeships through to postgraduate degrees, with an early years specialism. For families discussing additional needs, the school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo), contactable through the school telephone number. Staff, volunteers and governors must undertake safeguarding training annually and require enhanced DBS disclosure.
Attending this pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place at Hoddlesden St Paul’s. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route. For September 2027 entry, applications go through Blackburn with Darwen, with online applications at www.blackburn.gov.uk/admissions and a closing date of 15 January 2027.
Preparation for school is part of the nursery’s stated aim, whether children move to Hoddlesden St Paul’s or another school. The practical preparation described here includes group learning, early number activities and work with sounds. Keep that preparation separate from the application decision: familiarity with the school does not secure admission.
Attendance commitment. Self-funded places require a minimum of 2.5 days. All funded hours should be used at the pre-school across a minimum of 4 days per week. Those conditions matter when matching nursery attendance to a family’s working pattern.
Admission enquiries go to the Nursery Admissions and Attendance Administrator at office@stpaulshoddlesden.blackburn.sch.uk; application packs can be requested on 01254 701940. Individual nursery visits are not offered by the Senior Leadership Team; prospective families are directed to official autumn school tours.
Uniform combines a red logo sweatshirt or cardigan and logo T-shirt with plain grey or black bottoms and comfortable shoes. Clothing and footwear must be labelled with the child’s name. There is no onsite vehicle parking. Disabled access is through the rear white doors, a useful detail when planning access to the school site.
It caters for children aged 3 and 4. Children can start in the term after their third birthday, subject to availability.
No. A separate Reception application is required. For September 2027 entry, apply through Blackburn with Darwen by 15 January 2027.
Children use the early years outdoor classroom and take part in Forest School. At dedicated times, they also access playing fields, the nature woodland play space, climbing frames and trim trails.
The child’s key person regularly updates an online learning journal with videos, photographs and observations.
Self-funded attendance requires at least 2.5 days. All funded hours should be used at the pre-school across a minimum of 4 days per week.
