Sabden Primary School Nursery

Dinosaurs, pencil practice and time on PE equipment give Sabden’s nursery its character: learning built around children’s interests, with adults helping them take the next step. This is Sabden Primary School’s own provision for three- and four-year-olds on Whalley Road, with a choice of morning, afternoon or full-day attendance.

In February 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Relationships and practical learning were positive features; making adult conversations consistently stretch children’s language and thinking was the clear improvement priority.

A three-hour session combines activities guided by adults with opportunities to follow children’s interests. Staff might work individually with a child on pencil grip, or help a small group practise a particular skill. Observations then shape what comes next, so the activity has a learning purpose beyond simply keeping children occupied.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings, move confidently, explore the world and begin reading, writing and maths. Creative expression belongs alongside these foundations. Themes connect the learning: Dinosaur Roar is one example, while children’s own interests can change its direction. Drama, pretend play and opportunities to choose resources give children a part in shaping their session.

Maths has a named structure. White Rose Mastery Maths is used in nursery, supplemented by the NCETM’s Mastering Number. Early learning starts with numbers 1–5, exploring what makes up each number and how numbers relate, alongside shape, space and measurement. This gives families a clearer picture of early maths than counting alone.

In February 2026, early years children chose drawing and early writing activities, number work and pretend play. Learning areas supported independent activity, with attention to hand and finger development. Outdoor practical tasks also prompted conversation and problem-solving. Adults often helped children use a broader vocabulary through questions and examples, although some exchanges stopped short of extending their ideas. Consistency here matters: the same practical task can offer much more learning when an adult develops the conversation.

Trust between children and adults was a strength in February 2026. Children became comfortable with routines and settled readily, while adults demonstrated constructive ways to speak and cooperate. For a child beginning nursery, these relationships support both participation and the confidence to communicate.

Established early years support routines helped children with additional needs, including SEND, take part successfully. Relationships with parents also contributed positively. Families with concerns can arrange a conversation with the class teacher or SENCo through the school office, giving them a direct route to discuss support.

Food fits around the attendance pattern. Full-day attendance includes a 45-minute lunch period, charged separately, and a school dinner can be chosen for an additional charge. Lunch bookings use ParentPay. Breakfast Club offers breakfast choices; Sunset Club provides a snack and drinks, so children using those sessions have food included in their extended day.

Attending Sabden’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Lancashire County Council is the school-admissions contact.

Staff track children’s learning to prepare them for Reception. That preparation is separate from the Reception admissions process. Staff follow children’s progress over the year and use their assessments to plan further learning. The nursery aims for children to be ready for Reception; that preparation remains separate from securing a place.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and full days from 8.45am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Funded hours can be used flexibly. Additional paid sessions depend on availability.

Funding starts with 15 hours a week from the term after a child turns three, continuing until school starts. Eligible families may receive up to 30 hours weekly; the additional entitlement requires an eligibility code and reconfirmation. Lunch attendance, school dinners and wraparound care carry separate charges. Contact the school for current charges.

Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 8.45am on weekdays. Sunset Club runs from 3.30pm to 5.45pm, Monday to Thursday. Wraparound sessions require advance booking through ParentPay. Nursery enquiries and tours go through the School Business Manager on 01282 771000 or bursar@sabden.lancs.sch.uk.

Nursery clothing is blue on top, with black joggers or leggings, a white polo shirt or T-shirt and all-black footwear without laces. A separate PE uniform is unnecessary, keeping the clothing requirements straightforward.