Little Dolphins Pre-school at Dolphinholme

A classroom looking towards the Trough of Bowland gives Little Dolphins its own identity within Dolphinholme Church of England Primary School. Opened in 2018, this purpose-built space houses the pre-school for children from two years old until school age. It combines a room of its own with opportunities to encounter the wider school community.

The early years provision was graded Good at Ofsted’s inspection on 6 and 7 March 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Children’s interests help shape the learning. Little Dolphins follows a child-initiated approach within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with children exploring materials and developing physical skills through play. The nursery aims to give children equal opportunities to participate. For parents, the emphasis is on early development rather than a timetable of school subjects.

Play takes place outside as well as indoors, and messy activities are part of the experience. Aprons and overalls help protect clothing, although practical clothes remain the sensible choice. Children can keep a bag of spare clothing on their own coat peg, a small but useful detail for a day involving materials, movement and bathroom practice.

In March 2024, early years children, including those in the provision for two-year-olds, participated eagerly in songs and nursery rhymes. Choosing a favourite book through an end-of-day vote gave them a say in shared reading. Children also learned to wait for their turn and pay attention to others: everyday social skills alongside the enjoyment of stories and music.

A personal key worker provides a point of contact, and parents can discuss their child with other members of the team too. Little Dolphins aims to talk with families about friendships, achievements and difficulties, keeping the conversation broader than learning alone.

Older school pupils helped early years children settle through buddy roles in March 2024. This adds contact with familiar school faces to the support from adults. For children aged three and above who use Breakfast Club or After School Club, the pre-school team also staffs those sessions, bringing continuity to a longer day.

Snacks include milk and water, with fruit and a biscuit. Clothing that children can manage themselves supports bathroom independence; staff help when needed. Families whose children wear nappies supply them. For concerns about special educational needs, the school SENCo is the contact.

Attending Little Dolphins does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Lancashire’s online school admissions service. For the 2026 admissions cycle, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that date has passed.

Being part of the school gives children opportunities to become familiar with its staff and other children. Pre-school children also sometimes participate in school activities. That familiarity is useful preparation for a change of setting, but it should be kept separate from the application for a Reception place.

Little Dolphins operates during school terms, and parents choose how often their child attends. Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Children aged three and above can add Breakfast Club or After School Club. The latter finishes at 6pm from Monday to Thursday and at 5pm on Friday.

Funded places are offered from the first full term following a child’s third birthday, and for some two-year-olds. Lunchtime is charged separately. Payments use Scopay, and an absence on a booked day remains chargeable. Contact the school for current charges.

Old clothes and trainers suit the activities. Little Dolphins t-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts can be bought from The Uniform and Leisurewear Company. To enquire or arrange a visit, telephone 01524 791530; the school Bursar can arrange a tour.