Kirkham Grammar School Nursery and Pre-School Review

Woodwork benches and number play give Kirkham Grammar School’s early years provision a practical character: children build models, develop physical skills and practise talking through play. These were features of the early years setting at the ISI inspection of 23 to 25 January 2024, rather than promises about later school achievement.

Nursery caters for children aged 2 to 3, with Pre-School for ages 3 to 4. The early years setting belongs to the junior school, whose site is across the road from the senior school. For families, the distinction between Nursery and Pre-School matters practically: Nursery has a minimum attendance of three days each week and currently operates during term time.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme combines communication, practical activity and learning to play with other children. In January 2024, activities were adapted to children’s interests indoors and outside. That gives the learning a starting point children can relate to.

At the January 2024 inspection, play bases supported early number learning, and children built models at woodwork benches to develop physical skills. Adult conversation adds another dimension: teachers’ responses helped children grow more confident with vocabulary and sentence structure. Learning here involves doing and talking together.

Social development also receives deliberate attention. In January 2024, adults encouraged children to cooperate in their games and learning; warm exchanges with staff and other children supported that cooperation. This makes practising how to work alongside someone else part of the education itself.

The class teacher is the main pastoral contact, supported by a Pre-School and Nursery Manager, Deputy Heads responsible for pastoral and academic matters, and three Assistant Heads. The school encourages communication between home and staff, giving parents a direct route into the team supporting their child.

For Pre-School, lunch is prepared on site by the school’s catering team. Dietary requirements are accommodated, and menus rotate over four weeks.

In January 2024, early years staff had paediatric first-aid training, supervision levels were appropriate, and safeguarding arrangements for the youngest children were effective. Early years also had its own designated safeguarding lead. These are concrete safeguards around the practical learning and play.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application and admission decision, using the school’s registration process rather than assuming that a nursery place settles the next stage. The main Reception intake is at age 4+, and registration is handled directly by the school.

Day attendance is the booking model for Nursery, while Pre-School offers a full day. Fees are billed by term, with additional days billed separately. Nursery days using funding carry a supplement; ask the school for current charges before committing to an attendance pattern.

Eligible children aged 3 and 4 can receive the school’s 30-hour childcare grant through Lancashire County Council’s Early Years Single Funding Formula scheme. Eligibility matters: this is not an unconditional allowance for every child.

Private tours can be arranged through the Registrar on 01772 684264 or at info@kirkhamgrammar.co.uk. A visit provides an opportunity to meet the team and see the facilities before choosing the provision.