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Nursery at Deepdale Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Pretend ice cream becomes a lesson in talking, writing and counting at Deepdale's nursery. Play has a clear learning purpose here, with adults helping children develop the language and physical control they need for later learning. The nursery belongs to Deepdale Community Primary School in Preston, with 26 places for the morning and another 26 for the afternoon.
The February 2026 Ofsted report judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Language and physical development receive close attention. In the early years foundation stage (EYFS), learning builds across different areas of development rather than treating play as a break from teaching. Here, staff help children gain vocabulary and control over their movements, giving them foundations for the learning that follows.
Indoor learning spaces and an outdoor area support purposeful play. During the inspection, an early years pretend ice-cream game involved children taking orders in writing and counting scoops. It is a useful illustration of the approach: one activity brings together conversation, early writing and number. Adults add vocabulary and help children think further as they play.
Nursery themes include Amazing Animals, Once Upon a Time and Where are we going? These give families concrete starting points for conversations about learning. Across early years, adults track small changes in understanding and adapt their interactions and activities accordingly. Children return to ideas to strengthen what they know. Predictable routines help them switch activities, with growing independence rather than uncertainty about what happens next.
A focus on spoken language helps early years children settle and make a positive start. Adults know the children well, paying attention to small steps in their development. This matters for children who need time or repeated practice: support can respond to their progress rather than move on regardless.
Learning mentors support EYFS children as part of the school's pastoral team. Their work includes individual support, targeted groups and contact with families, giving parents a route into help when difficulties affect a child's participation. Families can also contact the SENCO about additional needs by telephone or email. Parent workshops include Nursery - Early Reading, linking families with the nursery's learning focus.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under Deepdale's admission criteria. Parents must make a separate Reception application through Lancashire County Council, following the normal application timetable. Keeping that application separate from nursery arrangements is essential.
The early years curriculum builds from Nursery towards Reception. This provides continuity in learning, but it does not change how places are allocated. Admission and educational progression are separate questions.
Morning and afternoon provision each have 26 places. Nursery applications use a nursery application form, separate from the Reception route. For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 01772 795586 or email parents@deepdale.lancs.sch.uk.
The school is on St Stephens Road in Deepdale, Preston. Families considering either session can use the nursery enquiry route to begin their application.
There are 26 morning places and 26 afternoon places.
Early years play connects language, writing and number. One example involved taking pretend ice-cream orders in writing and counting scoops, with adults extending children's vocabulary and thinking.
Learning mentors support EYFS children, and families can contact the SENCO about additional needs on 01772 795586 or at parents@deepdale.lancs.sch.uk.
No. Attendance neither guarantees a place nor gives admission priority. Parents need a separate Reception application through Lancashire County Council.
Contact the school on 01772 795586 or email parents@deepdale.lancs.sch.uk. Nursery has its own application form.
