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Nursery at Crow Orchard 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Coat fastenings earn their own moment at Little Pips: the Zippy Club turns practising independence into a nursery ambition. This is Crow Orchard Primary School’s provision for children aged 2 to 4, with 20 places per session: five for two-year-olds and 15 for children aged three and four. The age-specific allocation matters when considering a place for a younger child.
Little Pips combines time outdoors, independently chosen learning and group activities. Its nursery team comprises a lead and two early years learning facilitators. For families seeking a school nursery, the distinguishing detail is the emphasis on everyday skills alongside stories, number work and questions about the world.
Children can use learning resources inside and outside during the day. This continuous provision means opportunities to choose and explore independently, alongside activities with a particular developmental focus. The balance gives children both room to follow an interest and a shared focus with the group.
Number activities explore patterns and develop number sense. During topic-based carpet time, children are encouraged to make connections and ask questions. A story is read each day, with the nursery aiming to extend vocabulary and encourage enjoyment of books. These are concrete parts of the early years day: talking, listening, exploring and working with numbers.
Independence also has a practical purpose. Little Pips encourages families to let children practise putting on socks, managing coats and removing jumpers or cardigans themselves. The Zippy Club gives coat fastening a memorable name. Those small tasks connect learning with things children need to do for themselves.
In February 2023, Ofsted found that children in the early years enjoyed activities linked to stories and encountered good-quality books. Older pupils also acted as reading buddies for early years children, adding another connection around reading within the school.
The nursery lead and learning facilitators support children as they settle. That makes settling part of the team’s role, alongside the learning day. Little Pips also encourages independence at home, giving families a practical way to support the same skills outside nursery.
Food introduces tastes as well as providing a break. Snacks include fruit or toast, while foods from different parts of the world are used to encourage children to explore unfamiliar flavours and textures. Children staying for both sessions can have a school lunch; families may instead supply a packed lunch, and may bring their own snack.
Parents provide nappies, pull-ups, wipes and spare clothing. For support with special educational needs and disabilities, families can contact the school’s SEND team by email. The designated safeguarding team includes an early years lead, and safeguarding leads offer confidential support to parents. These give families routes for discussing care and welfare concerns.
Attending Little Pips does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate primary school application through Lancashire’s application route at www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools. An application is required even when a sibling already attends the school. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 23:59 on 15 January 2026. That deadline belongs to a past admissions cycle.
Little Pips runs Monday to Friday during term time, for 38 weeks each year. Morning sessions last from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from noon to 3pm. An all-day session runs from 8:45am to 3pm, giving families a choice between a shorter session and the combined day.
Children with 15 hours of childcare can take additional paid sessions, subject to availability. Staying for both sessions involves a lunchtime care charge, and school lunches and snacks carry charges too. Contact the school for current charges. Occasional trips and activities cost extra, with families able to opt out.
Nursery enquiries go through the main office on 01695 724046 or bursar@croworchard.lancs.sch.uk. Families can request a nursery information pack, book an open-day visit slot or arrange an alternative visit by telephone.
Children aged 2 to 4. Each session has five places for two-year-olds and 15 for children aged three and four.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoon sessions from noon to 3pm, and all-day sessions from 8:45am to 3pm. Nursery operates Monday to Friday in term time.
Yes. Families can provide a packed lunch or snack. Children staying for both sessions can also have a school lunch, and lunchtime care carries a charge.
No. A separate primary school application is required through Lancashire’s application route, including for children who already have a sibling at the school.
Contact the school office on 01695 724046 or bursar@croworchard.lancs.sch.uk for nursery information. Open-day visit slots can be booked, and alternative visits can be arranged by telephone.
