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Nursery at Ribbleton Avenue Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A wildlife garden, painting with marbles and a snack shared with a keyworker group give Ribbleton Avenue’s nursery its character. This is the nursery class within Ribbleton Avenue Infant School in Preston, with access to the main school hall as well as its own outdoor learning area. Play carries the learning, and getting dirty is part of the practical expectation.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 29 and 30 October 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children in early years worked together and managed classroom expectations well, giving their learning a cooperative foundation.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach starts with skills children can use throughout their day: communicating, moving and developing relationships. These receive extra emphasis in the first nursery term. Themes follow children’s interests, with learning delivered through play. Early reading preparation begins with listening; recognising sounds follows for children who are ready.
Me and my World brings familiar experiences into learning. Children explore families and community jobs through stories and factual books, sort colours and make repeating patterns with movement or natural materials. Making pumpkin soup introduces following instructions. Painting self-portraits and making marks with cars or marbles give children different ways to explore materials and express ideas.
Outdoor learning happens daily, with the wildlife garden available across weather conditions. Garden activities include climbing the outdoor stairs and learning to move safely around equipment. Weekly PE uses the main school hall, extending opportunities for physical practice beyond the garden.
The October 2024 inspection also identified school curriculum weaknesses: some activities did not connect sufficiently with existing knowledge, and some gaps in learning remained unresolved. These were school-level concerns, so they should be read alongside the early years judgement rather than treated as findings about every nursery activity.
A keyworker is allocated during a child’s first few weeks. Around the middle of a session, the group gathers to discuss personal and social topics, listen to one another and share experiences from home. This gives the session a regular point for conversation in a smaller group.
Snack choices include fruit and milk, with water bottles accessible throughout the session. Children can also try nursery-made food such as scrambled eggs, cereals, crumpets and toast. Handwashing before eating forms part of learning about healthy habits.
Dojo carries observations, photographs and messages between nursery and home; families can also share what children have been doing outside school. A noticeboard outside the nursery entrance provides reminders and changing learning information. The nursery team includes a class teacher and teaching assistants.
For concerns about development, the first contact is the class teacher, followed by the SENDCo where needed. The SENDCo works with staff and outside agencies. Targeted Learning Plans, where used, are reviewed each half term and shared with families, giving parents a recurring opportunity to discuss support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the school’s admission criteria. Families must make a separate online application through Lancashire County Council. Those criteria prioritise care status, accepted exceptional needs and siblings before allocating remaining places by distance.
Transition support is a separate matter. Arrangements include observing children in their nursery setting, attending relevant meetings and Stay and Play sessions. These help staff get to know children before the change of class; they do not alter the admissions process.
The morning pattern consists of five sessions each week, running from 8.45am to 11.45am. Nursery application forms come from the school office. Families can arrange a school visit by contacting the school, and enquiries can go to 01772 796037 or office@ribbletonavenue-inf.lancs.sch.uk.
Clothes should be suitable for messy play, with a spare set and water bottle brought along. Open-toed footwear is prohibited. For PE, children need a T-shirt, joggers and trainers or pumps, with hair tied back and jewellery removed.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the admission criteria. A separate online application through Lancashire County Council is required.
Children use the outdoor learning area daily, including the wildlife garden. Activities include climbing outdoor stairs and practising moving around garden equipment.
Dojo provides messages, observations and photographs. Families can use it to share experiences from home too.
Children are offered fruit and milk and can try nursery-made snacks including toast, crumpets, cereals and scrambled eggs. Their water bottles remain accessible during the session.
Get the nursery application form from the school office. Contact the school to arrange a visit or discuss joining.
