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Nursery at Rufford CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories and rhymes give Little Squirrels, Rufford CofE School’s pre-school nursery, a clear starting point: learning to listen and building the words children need to express themselves. The provision belongs to the Church of England primary school on Flash Lane in Rufford, Ormskirk. For parents, this is a nursery within a school community, with school-level support and safeguarding arrangements around it.
Rufford describes its Christian ethos as shaping learning, relationships and care. That gives families an indication of the values surrounding the nursery, rather than a promise about a particular daily activity.
Listening to stories and rhymes is a concrete part of nursery learning. In March 2024, Ofsted found that nursery children had frequent opportunities for both, supporting vocabulary development. The practical significance is straightforward: books and spoken language give children words to understand, use and recognise. This is an early introduction to the language that later reading depends on.
Outdoor education is also a school priority. Rufford says it is developing Forest School provision across the school. That is a development in progress; families should distinguish this ambition from an established nursery Forest School timetable. The nursery’s story and rhyme opportunities provide the clearest picture of an activity children actually experience.
Early identification shapes Rufford’s approach to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school aims to recognise difficulties promptly and adapt activities to children’s needs. Its definition extends beyond learning difficulties to behavioural, physical and medical needs. For a family considering nursery, that breadth matters: a conversation about support can address care and participation as well as learning.
Safeguarding responsibility sits with a designated lead, a backup lead and a governor with safeguarding oversight. Staff and governors receive regular safeguarding and child protection training. Adults can raise a concern with any staff member, giving families a direct route to discuss worries.
Operation Encompass adds a link between police and education. When a child has been exposed to domestic abuse, information reaches the school before the following school day, with sharing continuing through weekends and holidays. This allows the school to be aware of circumstances that may affect a child’s day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; choosing Little Squirrels should therefore be a decision about nursery provision itself.
For Lancashire residents, the application route is Lancashire’s online school admissions system. For the September 2026 intake, the deadline was 15 January 2026, which has now passed. Applications submitted on time receive priority over late applications. Families planning a later intake need to keep the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate steps.
The school office accepts enquiries on 01704 821300 or at bursar@rufford.lancs.sch.uk. Families can arrange a visit throughout the year. A visit gives parents an opportunity to discuss their child and see the school setting before deciding whether to pursue a nursery place.
For SEND enquiries, the school can also be contacted on the same telephone number or at head@rufford.lancs.sch.uk.
The pre-school nursery is Little Squirrels, part of Rufford CofE School.
In March 2024, Ofsted identified frequent opportunities to hear stories and rhymes, helping nursery children develop vocabulary.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must apply separately through the normal admissions process.
They apply through Lancashire’s online school admissions system. The deadline for September 2026 entry was 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past.
Yes. Contact the school on 01704 821300 or email bursar@rufford.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
