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Nursery at Tattenhall Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellies stay at school because outdoor play happens daily at Squirrels Pre-School, whatever the weather. This is Tattenhall Park Primary School’s nursery provision in Tattenhall, welcoming children from the term following their third birthday. Children’s interests help determine the topics: an idea can become a brief exploration or hold the class’s attention for longer.
The nursery belongs to the school’s early years provision. Ofsted judged early years Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.
Play and teaching share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early communication, physical development and relationships with learning about numbers, books, the world and creative expression. Adults lead some activities; children also choose their own investigations. This gives them opportunities both to follow an interest and to practise something an adult has introduced.
Master the Curriculum provides the nursery’s maths planning. Read Write Inc supplies daily phonics sessions, using games, listening and speaking to introduce the sounds within words. Books travel home too: Squirrels children borrow a picture book each week, with families encouraged to discuss illustrations, predict events and talk about characters’ feelings. Reading becomes a shared conversation, rather than simply a task to finish. Before reading, parents are encouraged to use the cover to prompt predictions. Following the text with a finger also shows children which direction the words run, giving families practical ways to support early reading.
The early years spaces include classrooms, outdoor learning areas and a permanent art area with materials for creative work. Small equipment supports hand control, while larger equipment develops movement and coordination. Daily outdoor play makes suitable clothing part of the routine. Beyond the classroom, residents from Gifford Lea have visited Squirrels to play, and residents and preschool children have taken part in a mini sports day together. These are concrete opportunities to meet people from another generation.
Two teachers share the preschool teaching week, supported by a teaching assistant. Settling into school is supported through early years transition packs and meetings before a September start. Stay and Play sessions offer another opportunity for families to take part, while Tapestry lets parents see nursery learning and contribute photographs and comments from home. Brief conversations with the team are possible at the beginning or end of the day; longer discussions can be arranged by appointment.
Lunch is a family responsibility when a child stays for it: provide a healthy packed lunch containing neither sesame nor nuts. Spare clothing can remain at school for accidents, making changes of clothes easier to manage.
In May 2024, children with SEND in early years had their needs recognised promptly, with curriculum adaptations helping them study the same content as their peers. Support involved families and relevant professionals, connecting classroom adjustments with additional expertise where needed.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The school directs Reception applicants to Cheshire West and Chester’s school admissions service.
Preparation for school is a separate matter. Squirrels provides school-readiness information, and families can discuss questions or concerns with the EYFS team. That preparation helps parents think about the next stage; it does not secure admission.
Preschool entry has three intake points: Autumn 1, Spring 1 and Summer 1. The preschool closes during half term, so families need to plan care around that break.
For a preschool visit, contact the school office on 01244 667500. General enquiries can also go to admin@tattenhallpark.cheshire.sch.uk. Pack named wellies, a coat and spare clothes; an all-in-one outdoor suit is also welcomed. Label water bottles, snack pots and shoes, and check the labels periodically so belongings can be returned to the right child.
Children are welcomed from the term after their third birthday, with intake points in Autumn 1, Spring 1 and Summer 1.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school links families to Cheshire West and Chester’s school admissions service.
If your child stays for lunch, send a healthy packed lunch containing no nuts or sesame.
Tapestry shares nursery learning with parents. Families can upload photographs and comments from home, and the preschool team offers brief conversations or appointments for longer discussions.
Yes. Contact the main school office on 01244 667500 to arrange a look around the preschool.
