Whitefield Infant School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Stories, songs and familiar rhymes give Whitefield’s nursery its character. Recurring tales include The Three Billy Goats Gruff alongside The Gingerbread Man, with adults returning to stories rather than moving straight on to the next book. That gives children familiar language to hear again and join in with.

The nursery belongs to Whitefield Infant School and Nursery on Every Street in Nelson, within its Foundation Stage team. At the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025, early years provision was graded Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the learning framework. For parents, this means building the knowledge and skills children need for school and their later learning. Whitefield aims to develop vocabulary through direct experiences, connecting new words with things children encounter and do.

Storytelling is a substantial part of that work. In February 2025, children listened repeatedly to traditional tales, alongside stories featuring a shark and a caterpillar. Adults’ enthusiasm for books helped make listening an engaging activity. Reading corners in classrooms give books a physical place in the learning environment, with different kinds of texts for children to choose.

Early writing begins with movements rather than finished letters. Nursery children practise curves, zigzags and straight lines during adult-led tasks and activities available through continuous provision. These movements help children learn how to push and pull a pencil in the directions letter formation requires. Families can practise those same patterns at home, linking a simple activity with classroom learning.

Settling is gradual and responsive. After accepting a place, parents attend a meeting about learning and the school day; children then have brief introductory visits. Nursery starts are initially part time, with the parent and teacher deciding together when the child has settled. The arrangements can change to suit the individual child, so the starting routine allows time for adjustment.

A nursery lead teacher works alongside a higher-level teaching assistant and teaching assistants. For additional needs, an EYFS special educational needs coordinator gives families a specific contact within the early years team. Parents can make contact through senco@whitefield-inf.lancs.sch.uk or telephone the school to arrange a conversation.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Lancashire County Council admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

The local authority manages school admissions. Introductory visits and flexible, part-time settling arrangements also apply to children starting Reception; these help children adjust to school routines and are separate from decisions about allocating places.

Registration for nursery can be made at any time, with either a passport or birth certificate required. Families considering Whitefield can visit the school and discuss their questions with the leadership team.

For enquiries, telephone 01282 612807, email bursar@whitefield-inf.lancs.sch.uk or use the school’s contact form. The address is Every Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 7HF. A visit offers an opportunity to discuss the nursery experience before registering, while the parent meeting and short introductory visits provide the next steps once a place has been accepted.