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Nursery at Alston Lane Catholic Primary School, Longridge
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A separate nursery building and phonics from nursery age give Alston Lane’s provision its own place within a Catholic primary school. Children aged 2 to 4 attend on the outskirts of Longridge, Preston. Children of all faiths and denominations are welcome, making this an option for families beyond the Catholic community too.
The nursery shares a site with the main school but occupies a different building. Ramps provide access across the site. For a family considering additional physical needs, that layout is a concrete part of the provision to weigh alongside individual care arrangements.
Letters and Sounds begins in nursery, with daily phonics across the early years. This introduces children to the sounds that form the basis of reading and writing. Weekly core stories give another thread to the day: adults revisit a book over the week, modelling reading and helping children understand its story. The school selects these books for their vocabulary, aiming to develop language early.
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning also involves practical exploration. Children choose tools and resources, work together or independently, and try different ways to complete a task. Their interests help shape this work. The emphasis is on asking questions and investigating how things work, giving children opportunities to solve problems through activity.
Mathematics in the early years starts with objects children can handle and move. Learning continues through the activities and resources available for children to explore, so mathematical ideas can be practised beyond a discrete lesson. Geography and history sit within the Understanding of the World learning journey.
For children needing additional help, the school and nursery use a staged process of assessing needs, planning support, putting it into practice and reviewing it. A Targeted Learning Plan sets individual goals for children receiving SEN Support. Teachers review these plans each half term, with a fuller evaluation involving the SEND coordinator at the end of each term. Parents then discuss progress and next steps with the teacher.
Medical care includes Intimate Care Plans developed with parents and the school nurse. Most staff have paediatric first-aid training, including staff working in the early years. Accessible toilets and an electronic changing bed are in the main school building, a useful distinction when discussing a child’s care needs.
Children whose parents receive qualifying benefits are eligible for free meals in nursery and school. Families can check eligibility and apply through Lancashire County Council.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives no priority under the oversubscription criteria.
The application deadline is 15 January 2027. Complete the local authority’s Common Application Form and return the Supplementary Information Form to the school by that date; the 2027 arrangements require this additional form from all applicants.
Transition support is a separate matter. The Early Years Leader liaises with families and nursery settings. Where a move may be difficult, a meeting with parents and the SEND coordinator can lead to a personalised plan, potentially including videos, class books, social stories or extra transition days.
The nursery is on Preston Road, Longridge, PR3 3BJ. Enquiries can be made using the online contact form, by emailing staff@alstonlane.mecmat.org or by calling 01772 783661.
Children aged 2 to 4.
No. A separate application is required through your home local authority, and nursery attendance gives no priority for September 2027 entry.
Letters and Sounds starts in nursery. Early-years children also explore a core story each week.
Support is planned and reviewed in stages. Children receiving SEN Support have individual Targeted Learning Plans, with parents involved in discussions about progress and next steps.
Yes, children whose parents receive qualifying benefits are eligible. Lancashire County Council provides the eligibility check and application route.
