Freckles Nursery at Freckleton Church of England Primary School

At the November 2022 inspection, two-year-olds learned alongside three- and four-year-olds in Freckleton's early years provision. Freckles is part of Freckleton Church of England Primary School. Freckles is the school's preschool provision on School Lane in Freckleton.

In November 2022, the early years included children aged two, three and four. The youngest settled readily and made progress alongside their older classmates. For parents considering a start at two, that combination of mixed ages and support for settling is the most relevant inspection finding.

Learning in the early years combines developing knowledge with learning how to share a setting with other children. In November 2022, two- and three-year-olds were learning to handle playthings with care. That is a small but useful example of the everyday expectations children encounter: looking after the things they use is part of learning together.

Early reading also has a place within the early years foundation stage (EYFS). In November 2022, children began phonics on starting school, practising fresh sounds and letters daily. Reading books matched the sounds already taught, giving children a chance to use familiar knowledge rather than face words beyond their learning.

Curriculum detail. The November 2022 findings also called for clearer teaching steps in a few subjects, explicitly including the early years. Across the school, understanding was sometimes insufficiently checked before teaching moved forward. These concerns matter alongside the positive early years findings: children need both manageable steps and time to secure what they have learned.

Relationships between young children and adults were reassuring in November 2022. Staff supported development effectively, and children trusted the adults caring for them. The finding that two-year-olds adjusted readily gives this practical weight for families facing their child's first experience of group care.

For special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's process brings parents into discussions with the class teacher and special needs coordinator at each stage after needs are identified. Observation, assessment and conversations with parents help identify those needs. Reviews take place regularly, so support can be reconsidered as a child's needs develop.

Operation Encompass adds a route for support following incidents affecting a child. Trained Key Adults receive confidential police information about relevant domestic abuse, missing or vulnerable-child incidents, allowing staff to respond to possible difficulties. Information is shared internally only with those who need it.

Attending Freckles does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing preschool and applying for school as two separate decisions.

For children awarded a place at Freckleton, the school provides a programme to support the move into school. That support follows an offer; it should not be understood as an admissions advantage.

Contact the school office on 01772 632350 or email office@freckleton.lancs.sch.uk for preschool enquiries. Freckles has its own staffing arrangements within the school's extended services.

For journeys to the site, the school encourages walking. Its car park must not be used for dropping off or collecting children; a large free public car park is next door. This gives families travelling by car an alternative to using the school car park.