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Nursery at Stoneygate Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 forest area behind the nursery and a classroom called Seedlings give Stoneygate its own early childhood character. This maintained nursery school on Stoneygate Walk in Preston caters for children aged two to four. Seedlings is the two-year-old classroom; Oaks is the pre-school class. Nursery education is the school's purpose, rather than an addition to a primary school.
Communication and language lead the curriculum. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning together across seven areas, with practical experiences and topics adapted to children's interests. The nursery aims to give children practical learning experiences and opportunities to revisit ideas, adapting topics to their interests.
The detail makes this tangible. Pre-school children have estimated beanstalk lengths, checked their guesses with cubes and represented quantities using Tens Frames and numicon. Drawing and collage have explored growing, while Oaks children collected autumn leaves in the grounds to make a shared collage. These activities connect observation, number and making things.
Outside, the forest area provides space for exploration, and Forest School sessions took place in autumn 2025. Seedlings also has an outdoor area and a sensory room. These give the youngest children settings beyond their classroom, although no particular sensory equipment should be assumed.
At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that children participated confidently and developed independence through tasks such as serving drinks, managing aprons and clearing away toys. Books, rhymes and songs supported language development, with targeted help when children needed it. Library visits, yoga and visits from emergency services added experiences beyond classroom play.
Curriculum and oversight. In January 2025, some learning areas still needed clearer decisions about the knowledge children should acquire, which sometimes limited how well activities connected with earlier learning. Some governors also needed greater knowledge and skills to challenge the school effectively. Families should weigh these concerns alongside the concrete learning experiences.
A teaching staff member is allocated as each child's key person, giving families a familiar contact for development and progress. When children start, parents share their interests and preferences. Staff establish starting points within the first four weeks and assess development at least termly; the nursery aims to discuss progress through termly parent meetings. Bilingual staff can help families exchange information in community languages.
Emotional support includes a feelings jigsaw and breathing exercises, making feelings something children can discuss and practise managing. In January 2025, children with SEND had their needs recognised early, with parents and other professionals involved in support, and achieved well. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection. The nursery also works with Early Help where appropriate, linking families with additional support.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for primary school as two separate decisions.
Stoneygate's independence and language work support the move to primary education. In January 2025, children generally left prepared for their next stage of learning. That readiness is an educational benefit, not an admissions entitlement.
Sessions run during term time, Monday to Friday: mornings are 8.30am to 11.30am and afternoons 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Children eligible for the 30-hour pattern attend from 9am to 3pm. The shorter sessions suit a half-day routine; the eligible longer pattern spans the middle of the day.
Funding includes 15 hours each week for 38 weeks from the term after a child's third birthday, with 30 hours for eligible working parents of three- and four-year-olds. Two-year-old funding is subject to eligibility. Refer to the school for current charges.
For the standard morning session, collection doors open from 11.20am to 11.30am; afternoon collection runs from 3.20pm to 3.30pm. Report absence to the office on its first day. Nursery enquiries and application requests can go to 01772 257865 or bursar@stoneygate.lancs.sch.uk, and an enquiry form is available.
Children aged two to four attend. Seedlings is the two-year-old classroom, and Oaks is the pre-school class.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Children eligible for the 30-hour pattern attend from 9am to 3pm.
Your child's key person is the initial contact. The nursery aims to share progress through termly parent meetings, and bilingual staff can support communication in community languages.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process, by its deadline.
There is a forest area behind the nursery and a Seedlings outdoor area. Forest School sessions took place in autumn 2025, and Oaks children have gathered leaves in the grounds for collage work.
