Northbrook Primary Academy Nursery

Three-year-olds now have their own starting point at Northbrook Primary Academy: Northbrook Nursery, attached to the school in Leyland. Nursery children use an entrance beside the parent car park, where a teacher meets them. That gives families a concrete point of contact for the daily handover.

The nursery opened after the school's May 2024 inspection. Its early years Requires improvement judgement therefore concerns provision before this nursery opened, rather than an assessment of the new nursery.

Learning alongside other children is one useful part of the earlier early years picture. In May 2024, children worked together and responded positively to adults. These findings concern the school's early years at that time; they should not be treated as observations of the subsequently opened nursery.

Language and learning support. The same inspection identified missed chances to develop vocabulary and reading knowledge, and inadequate catch-up help for some early years children struggling with reading. Some also achieved less than they should because gaps in learning remained. For parents, the practical issue is how adults recognise a child needing help and build language during everyday interaction.

Support for additional needs draws on the school's SEND arrangements. The special educational needs coordinator works with families and staff to identify needs and organise support. The areas covered include communication, emotional regulation, sensory difficulties and personal care, making the process relevant to both learning and everyday independence.

A child receiving SEN support has a Targeted Learning Plan, bringing together individual needs, goals and strategies. Families, staff and the child contribute to this working plan, so parents have a role in shaping support. Where needs exceed the school's internal approaches, outside help is sought; Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy are among the services involved. These are school arrangements, rather than a separate nursery assessment of effectiveness.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027–2028 arrangements. Families must apply separately through Lancashire County Council, with a closing date of 15 January 2027 for that entry cycle. Keep that application distinct from joining the nursery.

For children joining Reception in September, taster sessions take place in June and July. They introduce children to staff, classmates and their future classroom, helping make the change more familiar. During the summer term, the Reception teacher also visits incoming children's nurseries and/or homes. That provides an opportunity to discuss concerns before school starts. These induction activities support the transition; they do not influence allocation of places.

Contact the school on 01772 421599 for nursery enquiries. Families can also arrange a school tour through the office, with staff trying to accommodate their schedule.

Drop-off and collection use the nursery entrance next to the parent car park. Parents are asked to avoid the staff car park at the beginning and end of the school day and to park considerately on surrounding roads. Plan the handover around that entrance and parking arrangement.