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Nursery at Parkdale Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, early language and a steady weekday routine shape Blossoms, Parkdale Primary School’s nursery in Carlton. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with morning, afternoon or full-time patterns. This is the school’s own provision, giving families an introduction to school life while keeping nursery and Reception admissions separate.
Capacity varies between sessions according to staffing; places depend on availability and children’s needs. Staffing follows statutory early years ratios. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good in November 2022, a judgement covering early years rather than a separate nursery rating.
Learning through play forms a substantial part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, that means developing communication, relationships and early learning skills through planned experiences inside and outdoors. The early years accommodation includes outdoor play facilities, and specialist early years teachers support learning through practical experience alongside class teachers. Play has teaching behind it.
In November 2022, children in early years repeatedly practised numbers and letter sounds during the day and spoke readily about what they were learning. That gives parents a concrete picture of early learning: opportunities to build familiarity with number and phonics recur rather than being confined to one activity. Adults had close relationships with children, who showed consideration for others and managed their behaviour well.
Language support includes a Speech & Language Therapist working on early communication development. For a child who needs help expressing themselves, this brings specialist input into the early years team’s work.
Before starting, the early years team arranges events where preschool children and their families can become familiar with their surroundings. These introductions give children a chance to get used to the setting before their new routine begins.
Toileting support combines help with accidents and encouragement towards independence. Families supply spare clothes and any nappies, pull-ups or wipes their child needs. Where SEND or a medical condition affects toileting, staff agree support with the family and relevant professionals. Intimate care follows the school’s safeguarding and hygiene procedures.
Aspens Catering provides school meals, with a vegetarian main among the choices, plus jacket potatoes and baguettes. Families can choose a packed lunch instead, with a healthy mix of food; sweets and sugary or fizzy drinks are not allowed. Meals are ordered through Aspens using a school-provided code; ask the school for current charges.
For additional needs, parents can discuss their child with the SENDCo before starting. The school may seek inclusion funding where appropriate. If exceptionally complex needs exceed the support the nursery can reasonably provide, staff review suitable provision with parents and professionals. Across the school, adapted toilet, shower and changing facilities provide practical support for children with additional needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make another application through their home local authority, following the normal admissions process and its deadline. For 2027/28, nursery attendance gives no priority in the Reception allocation criteria. Choosing Blossoms should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND moving classes within the school, staff share information and individual targets with the next teacher and arrange a transition meeting. A book or passport can also be made where it would help the child understand the change.
Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am; afternoons run from 12:10pm to 3:10pm. Each pattern requires attendance Monday to Friday. Fixed sessions. Days cannot be mixed into an ad hoc pattern, so families need a routine that fits the whole week. Preferred sessions depend on availability, staffing ratios and admission criteria.
The universal entitlement provides 15 funded hours each week in term time from the term following a child’s third birthday. Eligible families can access up to 30 hours and attend full time Monday to Friday. Eligibility needs reconfirming every three months, followed by notification to the office. If eligibility ends, provision returns to 15 hours unless parents choose additional paid provision where available.
Contact the school office to arrange a visit and meet the nursery team. Nursery applications go directly to the school; the completed form requires proof of address and a birth certificate before processing.
Children start in the term following their third birthday, subject to a place being available. There are three admission points each year.
No. Morning and afternoon places require attendance Monday to Friday, and session patterns remain fixed rather than being split across different days.
The universal entitlement provides 15 hours per week during term time. Eligible families may access up to 30 hours, attending full time Monday to Friday, with eligibility reconfirmed every three months.
Staff help with occasional accidents and encourage independence. Families provide necessary consumables and spare clothing. Support for toileting affected by SEND or a medical condition is agreed with families and relevant professionals.
No. A separate application goes through your home local authority. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2027/28 Reception allocation criteria.
