Nursery at Padiham St Leonard's C of E Primary School

Early reading begins as children join the early years at Padiham St Leonard’s, giving this school nursery a clear connection to the learning that follows. The provision forms part of the Church of England primary school on Moor Lane in Padiham.

At the Ofsted inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Activities helped children gain the basic skills and knowledge needed for later learning, providing a concrete reason for parents to consider the provision.

The early years curriculum centres on foundations for future learning. In May 2024, staff planned suitable activities and delivered this curriculum consistently. For parents, the useful distinction is the attention to what young children learn through an activity, rather than simply keeping them occupied.

Phonics starts when children enter the early years, placing the beginnings of reading within their early learning experience. Leadership brings these strands together: the deputy headteacher also holds responsibility for EYFS and early reading. This combines oversight of early education and the first steps towards reading within one role.

Relationships are an explicit school priority. Staff aim to get to know children as they start and build trust with them. For a young child, that emphasis makes familiarity with adults an important part of the school’s approach.

Support sits within a school team that includes a SENCo, an inclusion lead and pastoral staff. The school plans classroom arrangements around individual needs, considering where children sit, lighting, temperature and sound. These are practical aspects of inclusion that can affect a child’s experience of learning.

School lunches are prepared fresh each day. Choices include hot meals, filled jacket potatoes and soup, alongside fruit, yoghurt and a salad bar. Vegetarian food is offered daily, and halal meals can be provided. The menu rotates over three weeks, giving families changing choices rather than the same meal pattern each week.

In May 2024, safeguarding arrangements were effective across the school. There was also a school-wide concern about inconsistent responses to behaviour during less structured periods, sometimes creating a risk of harm. This was a finding about the wider school, not a nursery-specific behaviour judgement.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing the nursery and securing a school place are separate decisions; families should plan for both.

The school office opens from 8.15am to 3.45pm. General enquiries can be made by emailing office@st-leonards.lancs.sch.uk or calling 01282 771470.

School meals are booked through Scopay, with booking required by 9am on the day the meal is taken. Families whose children qualify for free school meals must still book. This makes meal selection a practical task to build into the morning routine.