Middleforth Minis Nursery

All-weather outdoor play, lunch in the school hall and activities alongside Reception give Middleforth Minis a day that reaches beyond its nursery room. Children join from the age of three, becoming part of the Early Years Unit at Middleforth C of E Primary School in Penwortham. The nursery opened in September 2018.

School life starts here in small, practical ways. Nursery children meet older pupils and staff, participate in assemblies and worship, and get to know school routines. The nursery aims to develop kindness, curiosity and respect through its Christian vision. For parents, that means choosing a nursery with an explicitly Christian character and regular involvement in the wider school.

Play drives the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects communication, physical development and relationships with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Here, children choose activities, investigate materials and practise solving problems, with adults adjusting provision around their interests and next steps.

The Curiosity Approach influences practice: natural materials and ordinary objects give children things to explore rather than a single prescribed task. Indoors, resources support play that children can develop in their own direction. Creative learning includes trying out textures, colours and techniques, giving children ways to express ideas beyond speech.

Outside, a dedicated nursery area is accessible throughout the day, including in wet weather. Children also learn alongside Reception and visit the on-site Forest School regularly. OPAL play equipment brings another dimension to school playtimes. These are distinct opportunities to move, investigate and play with others, rather than outdoor time being limited to a break.

Swimming adds an unusual seasonal feature. A temporary pool stays on site for six weeks in the spring term, and nursery children have a swimming session each week during that period.

In April 2023, Ofsted found that early-years learning developed vocabulary through stories, rhyme, singing and structured play, with phonics beginning in Nursery. Learning about sounds therefore starts alongside talk and play.

Each child has a Key Worker who builds a relationship with the family and follows their development. Observations inform the next learning steps, with reviews every half term. Lancashire EYFS Progression Documents, Birth to 5 Matters and Development Matters inform this assessment, helping staff organise support around the individual child.

The nursery team comprises two practitioners, with an EYFS lead overseeing the early-years provision. In April 2023, Ofsted found that staff helped early-years children establish routines quickly. A familiar adult and attention to routines are practical foundations for settling.

Lunch takes place in the school hall. Children in EYFS receive a daily fruit or vegetable snack, and families should send a labelled water bottle. Nuts are prohibited on school premises; parents must notify the office about food intolerances and supply medication where needed.

For additional needs, the school emphasises early identification and partnership with parents. A Family Support Worker also helps families with concerns such as bereavement, behaviour and separation, providing another route to support when home circumstances affect a child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Lancashire County Council's online process for Reception admissions. Becoming familiar with the school should not be treated as an admissions advantage.

Transition preparation is part of everyday experience: nursery children share activities with Reception, meet wider staff and practise school routines. That familiarity can make the next classroom less unfamiliar, while the application remains a separate process.

Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01772 746024. Nursery payments are made through Scopay, with an access code supplied by the office. Refer to the school for current charges.

For nursery wraparound requirements, speak to the office: the school's standard breakfast and after-school arrangements are described for Reception to Year 6. Office enquiries can also be sent to office@middleforth.lancs.sch.uk.