Little Saplings Nursery at Mossgate Primary School

Colour mixing on ice and buttering bread give Little Saplings its practical character. This is Mossgate Primary School’s own nursery class in Heysham, entirely separate from Mossgate Day Nursery, the private setting next door. That distinction matters when arranging a visit or making an enquiry.

The class caters for twenty-six children aged 3–4. Rising Threes can also join: two-year-olds are accepted at the beginning of the term in which their third birthday falls. It is an early start within the school’s nursery provision, with an entry point tied to the child’s birthday term.

Children’s interests help shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development, covering language, physical skills, relationships and emotions alongside literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression. Activities respond to children’s developmental stages and interests, so learning connects with what already catches their attention.

Language is a stated priority. Stories, poems and books connect the curriculum, while adults extend conversations by adding vocabulary to children’s ideas. Role play and storytelling give children opportunities to explain themselves. The purpose is practical: new words become tools for sharing ideas and understanding experiences.

Art has concrete examples here. Little Saplings children experiment with watercolours on ice, mix colours and paint representations of places and objects. Art materials remain accessible throughout the year as part of continuous provision, meaning resources are available for children to revisit and explore. Creativity can develop through repeated attempts rather than a single finished activity.

Construction brings another kind of experimentation. Children combine materials and use construction kits and blocks to make objects and miniature worlds. The EYFS approach also includes indoor and outdoor movement games, with puzzles, small tools and craft activities supporting hand control. These experiences connect physical practice with making, thinking and talking.

Settling starts with exchanging information. Families are invited to meetings before their child begins, and home visits are offered to nursery starters. This gives parents a way to share their child’s routines and needs before attendance begins. Nursery teaching assistants form part of the team, and every nursery staff member has completed paediatric first aid training.

Snack preparation is learning too. Children wash and cut food, prepare snacks and practise using a knife safely to spread butter on bread. These small tasks give independence a concrete form.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), support follows an Assess, Plan, Do and Review cycle. Nursery children use a Targeted Learning Plan, with parents helping to identify targets and review support at least three times per year. The class teacher, SENDCo and Inclusion Leader provide routes for discussing concerns, keeping parents involved in decisions about next steps.

A separate application. Attending Little Saplings does not guarantee a Reception place at Mossgate. Families must apply again through the normal admissions process by the normal deadline. Lancashire residents must use Lancashire County Council’s application process, including when the chosen school is linked to their child’s nursery.

Transition support is a separate matter. Where a child already has identified additional needs, the Reception teacher and/or SENDCo meets staff from the child’s nursery, including Little Saplings. That exchange helps carry information about support into the next stage; it does not secure admission.

For nursery enquiries or to arrange a tour, contact the School Business Manager on (01524) 850736. Little Saplings shares Mossgate’s Kingsway address in Heysham, LA3 2EE. The office can also be reached at admin@mossgate.lancs.sch.uk, providing a direct route to the school team.