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Nursery at Walton Lane Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 Nursery on site and three-hour teaching sessions give Walton Lane its distinctive shape. This Lancashire County Council maintained nursery school in Nelson provides funded education for children aged 3–4, with Rocking Horse Club supplying additional childcare in the same building. Nursery education and that childcare are integrated, so extending the day keeps children in familiar surroundings.
The centre’s education is led by teachers with Qualified Teacher Status and graduates specialising in early years. In March 2026, children were calm, formed friendships and explored the classroom and outdoor spaces confidently. The school’s inspection covered its nursery education; the private nursery sharing the building was outside its scope.
Morning and afternoon sessions each last three hours. Walton Lane follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with planning that takes account of children’s interests and development. In parent terms, learning involves exploring, persisting with a challenge and testing children’s own ideas. The school recommends attending daily where possible, rather than combining sessions, to support learning and social development.
Books, rhymes and songs support language, while adults use gestures and pictures alongside conversation. Children discuss illustrations and stories, learn to care for books and practise recognising small quantities without counting each object. These are practical foundations for later reading and mathematics. Communication, emotional development and physical skills receive deliberate attention.
Outdoor learning has its own identity through Forest Nursery. Children practise getting into wellies and waterproof clothing themselves, making preparation for play a lesson in independence. Learning also connects with local life: children develop knowledge of community jobs and places of worship, and pride in nearby Pendle Hill. In March 2026, disadvantaged children had access to additional experiences such as a theatre visit.
Teaching consistency. In March 2026, some staff needed clearer understanding of how to teach parts of the curriculum, and assessment sometimes failed to track the intended learning closely enough. This meant teaching was occasionally less closely matched to individual needs. Improving both was a required next step.
An allocated key person gives each child a familiar adult and time together in a group. In March 2026, children trusted staff and received help with feelings and unexpected changes at home or nursery. Toileting accidents were handled with kindness. Staff adjusted behaviour support for individual needs, although developing children’s self-discipline remained an improvement priority. Safeguarding standards were met.
For developmental concerns, parents start with the key person; SEND coordinators guide targeted help and specialist referrals. Classroom support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities was effective in March 2026, including work with families and other professionals. Longer-term inclusion planning still needed sharpening. Attendance analysis and governors’ understanding of the school’s work also required improvement.
Snacks carry no charge. For children using Rocking Horse Club childcare, meals carry separate charges, with a healthy packed lunch or tea permitted instead; peanut products are excluded. Early Help can involve an assessment with the family or referrals to Homestart and the Children and Family Wellbeing Service, giving parents a route to support beyond nursery learning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate primary-school application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Treat choosing nursery and choosing a primary school as separate decisions.
Preparation for that next stage happens through everyday skills. In March 2026, children generally developed the language, independence and cooperation needed for primary school. That educational preparation is separate from admission to a particular school.
The school provides 15 funded hours during term time. Sessions run Monday to Friday, either 9am–noon or 1–4pm. Rocking Horse Club supplies additional funded or paid childcare during term time, from 7.30am–6pm, finishing at 4pm on Fridays. Additional hours belong to that separate provision.
Contact the centre office on 01282 613437 or finance@waltonlane.lancs.sch.uk; visits can be arranged by contacting the centre. Refer to the school for current charges. Families should supply their own nappies and wipes to avoid consumable charges. Camera-equipped devices and mobile phones cannot be used on site, and families must close doors behind them and drive carefully in the car park.
Walton Lane Nursery School provides 15 funded hours for children aged 3–4 during term time. Rocking Horse Club provides separate childcare alongside it.
Sessions run Monday to Friday: 9am–noon or 1–4pm. The school recommends daily attendance where possible.
Yes. Rocking Horse Club supplies additional term-time childcare from 7.30am–6pm, with a 4pm finish on Fridays. Funded and paid provision are available.
Start with your child’s key person. SEND coordinators guide more targeted support and referrals to specialist services.
No. A separate primary-school application is required through the normal admissions process, by its deadline.
