Longton Primary School Nursery Review

A self-contained outdoor space and a place in Longton's dedicated early years unit give the Meerkats nursery its own identity within the primary school. Nursery children and Reception pupils are taught separately, with learning planned for their respective ages. That distinction matters: sharing a school does not mean sharing the same lessons.

The nursery is now open at Longton Primary School. At the school's inspection on 21 and 22 January 2025, early years provision was graded Good. This was a judgement of the school's early years provision at that time, rather than a separate inspection grade for the current nursery.

Learning combines physical activity, stories and practical exploration. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) planning includes early number work and literacy alongside communication, social development and movement. For parents, this means that learning to talk with others and control a pencil sits alongside learning about numbers and books.

Pen Disco brings music into preparation for writing: children make lines and shapes to a beat using chalk boards, paper or whiteboards. Funky Fingers activities include threading, giving children practice with small, controlled hand movements. Larger movements have their place too. A nursery PE session used the ball cage for hopping, jumping and running, followed by games with hoops and beanbags.

Stories become things children can play with. Dear Zoo inspired a tuff tray where children created story scenes; The Tiger Who Came to Tea prompted tea parties and exploration of tigers' markings, food and habitats. A People Who Help Us topic brought a Post Office, Fire Station and Doctors Surgery into role play, giving children familiar situations in which to practise conversation and imaginative play.

Outdoor play forms part of the daily routine. The nursery's enclosed outdoor area gives children space for play together, while a spring activity used a water tuff tray to make perfume. These are concrete opportunities to explore materials and share ideas, alongside the activities indoors.

Partnership with parents is part of the nursery's approach to meeting individual needs. During the first nursery week in January 2026, children played team games and got to know one another. Those shared activities gave friendship-building a practical starting point.

Food also becomes an activity children participate in. Nursery children have made and eaten banana and blueberry muffins, and Snack and Chat provides a named occasion for food and conversation. These examples show food woven into nursery life, rather than establishing a full meal arrangement.

Across the school, SEND support is coordinated through a SENDCO team, with parents involved in planning children's support. Individual Education Plans are reviewed with families at least once a term. The school premises are accessible to children with physical disabilities, and the EYFS team have paediatric first-aid training.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Lancashire County Council, using the normal application process and deadline.

For children joining the school, induction includes weekly sessions with parents from Easter, home visits and two afternoon school visits in the summer term. These activities help children become familiar with staff and their future classroom. They are preparation for starting school, not an admissions advantage.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office, which handles availability and applications. Visits can also be arranged, giving families a chance to see the nursery before choosing it.

Wraparound care. Longton Primary School Kids Club serves children from Reception to Year 6. Families choosing the nursery should therefore plan around the nursery arrangement rather than count on that club for additional care.

For car journeys, the school asks families to follow a voluntary one-way system, entering School Lane from the Church end. Additional parking is available at the Bowling Club car park.