Little Chicks at Carleton Green Community Primary School

Exploration, creativity and first friendships shape Little Chicks, Carleton Green Community Primary School’s own pre-school. The nursery encourages children to investigate and try new challenges, with confidence and social development among its aims. This is an introduction to learning with other children, as well as to school life.

There are 15 places per session, with entry from the term in which children turn three. Little Chicks belongs to the school’s early years provision. At the inspection on 27 and 28 February 2024, Ofsted judged early years provision Good; that judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately graded nursery.

Language development gives the early years day a clear focus. In February 2024, adults used questions effectively and demonstrated more demanding vocabulary, helping children develop their communication. For parents, the practical significance is that conversation is part of learning: adults help children extend what they can say and understand.

The early years learning environment was engaging and carefully designed at that time. Little Chicks encourages investigation and creative activity, aiming to help children become more confident explorers. Its approach also includes support for friendships and encouragement to attempt unfamiliar challenges. These aims connect learning with the social demands of joining a group.

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), communication and language are therefore a useful focus for understanding the provision. There is also a curriculum issue to weigh up: in February 2024, parts of nursery learning were insufficiently connected to the next stage, making it harder for some children to accumulate knowledge.

A Little Chicks manager and a Little Chicks learning support assistant form part of the early years team. The nursery aims to help children settle through enjoyable learning and the confidence to explore safely. Support for making friends is part of that approach, giving settling a social purpose alongside becoming comfortable in the setting.

A hot school lunch can be included with a full day, with an additional charge. Families choosing that option should obtain current charges from the school. For support concerning special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school’s coordinator can be contacted through the main office. This gives parents a direct route to discuss their child’s needs.

Attending Little Chicks does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Lancashire school admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat the nursery decision and the school-place application as separate tasks.

Curriculum continuity. In February 2024, some nursery learning did not connect sufficiently with Reception learning, limiting how effectively some children’s knowledge developed. The improvement required was to complete the early years curriculum planning so children were better prepared for that next stage. This concerns learning continuity, independently of admission.

The full day runs from 8:45am to 3:45pm, and morning or afternoon sessions are also offered. From the term after a child turns three, the 15-hour Early Years Entitlement can cover five morning or afternoon sessions. Eligible families can also use 30 hours of funded childcare.

Payments use ParentPay. Invoices arrive at the start of each half-term; families may pay monthly, weekly or half-termly, but must clear the balance by the invoice deadline. Unpaid invoices can lead to sessions being lost. Contact the school office on 01253 891228 for enquiries or to arrange a school visit.