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Nursery at Penwortham Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily outdoor play and learning that parents can follow through Class Dojo give Penwortham’s pre-school its character. This is the school’s own nursery provision on Crookings Lane in Penwortham, Preston, with a pre-school class within its early years provision.
In May 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than giving the nursery a separate grade.
Play shapes the learning. Traditional Tales is one pre-school theme, giving a concrete example of the material around which activities are organised. Planning responds to children’s interests and needs, so their developing skills help shape what comes next.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning into seven areas rather than separate school subjects. In parent terms, the emphasis is on connected development rather than a timetable of subject lessons. Staff supported children’s communication and social skills effectively in May 2026, helping them learn alongside others as well as develop their language.
Outdoor access is daily. Children need a coat, and the school grounds include creative play spaces for early years. This makes outdoor activity part of the learning routine.
Each child has both a paper journal and a digital Learning Journey. Staff gather examples of learning, review development at half-termly checkpoints and use these to decide the next steps. Parents can contribute learning from home through Class Dojo, connecting experiences beyond school with classroom planning.
Settling starts with understanding the child. In May 2026, staff learned about individual abilities and support needs as children settled into nursery. Their training helped them adapt support to different developmental stages, with children feeling cared for and building positive relationships.
Communication has practical routes: parents can contact the pre-school teacher through Class Dojo, while weekly class messages explain learning and the following week’s plans. The early years team also shares information through curriculum discussions and meetings about children’s progress.
For concerns about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school’s SEND coordinator works with class staff and families. Lancashire’s Local Offer brings together support groups, activities and resources for families. The school is nut free, a rule families need to keep in mind when preparing food to bring in.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority in the admission criteria. Families must make a separate application through Lancashire County Council’s online primary admissions system.
Children whose Education, Health and Care Plan names Penwortham Primary School are admitted before the oversubscription criteria apply. The remaining priorities, in order, are looked after and previously looked after children, including those adopted from care overseas; exceptional medical, social or welfare needs directly relevant to the school; older siblings attending at the time of admission; then proximity measured by straight-line distance. Familiarity with the school therefore remains separate from the allocation of a place. For September 2027 entry, the application window runs from September 2026 to January 2027.
For the 2025/26 pre-school class, gates opened at 8:45am and registration was at 8:55am. Tuesday was the PE day, with children attending in PE kit. Uniform needed labelling, jewellery was prohibited and children could bring a water bottle.
Visits to the pre-school are welcomed. Contact the school office on 01772 743321 to arrange a school visit. This gives families a direct route to see the provision before deciding whether to apply.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the admission criteria. A separate application through Lancashire County Council is required.
Yes. Children have daily access to the outdoor area and need a coat.
Class Dojo holds the online Learning Journey. Parents can view learning and add examples from home; children also have a paper journal.
In May 2026, early years met the Expected standard. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery grade.
Contact the school office on 01772 743321. School visits are welcomed, and the pre-school also welcomes prospective families.
