Fishwick Primary School Nursery Review

Waterproof suits, muddy puddles and children choosing the direction of their play give Fishwick’s nursery its character. Penguins, the school’s nursery class in Preston, caters for ages 2 to 4. Learning follows children’s interests, with adults adapting the surroundings and joining their explorations rather than fixing every activity in advance.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good in December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play drives the learning. Penguins uses in-the-moment planning: staff watch what interests children, interact with them and use opportunities as they arise to extend their understanding. The environment changes daily in response to those interests. For a parent, the practical distinction is a day shaped by children’s discoveries, rather than a fixed sequence of pre-planned activities.

The early years curriculum gives children foundations for later learning. In December 2024, staff generally chose appropriate activities that helped children develop this knowledge. That qualified finding matters: it supports the nursery’s emphasis on purposeful play, rather than treating play and learning as separate parts of the day.

Outdoor play continues whatever the weather. Waterproof clothing is provided, and children can use spare wellies, although bringing their own is encouraged. Muddy puddles are part of the experience. A named bag containing replacement clothes and underwear helps make wet or messy exploration practical. During warmer weather, families should apply sunscreen before the session when needed and send a cap.

Settling begins with short visits and grows at the child’s pace. The first nursery week is an induction period, with attendance building from half an hour towards a complete session. Children who need longer can have an individual timetable. Families complete forms about their child so staff can understand their interests, personality and previous childcare experience.

Snack time also develops independence. Children choose and prepare snacks and pour drinks themselves, with an adult supervising. Healthy snacks, water and milk are provided. Families should tell staff about dietary requirements or medical needs before their child starts, allowing these needs to be discussed from the outset.

For concerns about special educational needs and disabilities, parents can contact the school’s SENDCO. A Family Support Worker is another contact for help and advice. This gives families named roles to approach when a concern needs more than an everyday conversation with nursery staff.

Attending Fishwick’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Lancashire County Council’s school-place application route. Nursery enrolment and the later school application are separate decisions, so choosing Penguins should rest on the nursery experience itself.

For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past.

There are three session patterns: mornings run from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and full days from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Those different starting and finishing times matter when planning work and collection.

Fishwick offers 15 free hours for children aged 2 and 3, and can accommodate working families needing 30 hours a week, during term time only. Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01772 491402. Families can look around without arranging an appointment. If somebody outside the agreed collection list will collect a child, parents must telephone the office.

Proposed organisational change. In April 2026, Fishwick was consulting on replacing its maintained nursery class with a Governor-Led Nursery. The school said the proposal would leave children’s daily experience unchanged while potentially allowing more flexibility in staffing and organisation. Families should distinguish that proposal from an implemented change.