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Nursery at Ferney Lee 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Broad beans in the nursery garden, balance bikes outside and parents joining in song give Ferney Lee’s nursery its character. Stories lead into practical exploration, while children’s own interests can change the direction of learning. This is a nursery class within Ferney Lee Primary School in Todmorden, catering for children from age three.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 February 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. The nursery’s combination of language work, outdoor exploration and creative activity gives families several concrete reasons to consider it.
Books provide starting points for doing, making and discovering. Nursery children have explored Goldilocks and the Three Bears by pouring and scooping oats, then making porridge. Jack and the Beanstalk prompted broad-bean planting, with the nursery garden giving children somewhere to watch their plants grow. Outdoors, balance bikes and ball activities add physical practice to the day.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines activities children choose with adult-led work. Children experiment with materials, plan constructions and learn to handle simple tools safely. Themes are flexible: staff invite parents to share new interests so these can become part of classroom learning. This gives children a say in what they explore.
Speaking and listening were priorities in February 2023. Adults introduced vocabulary through conversation, and nursery children practised noticing sounds around them as preparation for reading. Indoor and outdoor learning spaces supported that work. Music adds another regular thread: early years children sing daily and have music sessions each week, while nursery parents are invited to a weekly stay-and-sing.
Forest School extends learning beyond the classroom. Qualified leaders work with nursery children as part of the school’s provision, and the school grounds include the Wild Garden woodland. Its emphasis on exploration led by children complements the nursery’s responsive classroom planning.
Settling begins with staff getting to know each child and helping them feel secure in the classroom and outdoor area. Parents are invited to discuss worries and suggest anything that could ease the move into nursery. Seesaw carries updates about children’s learning, giving families a way to follow classroom activity between conversations with staff.
Two class teachers share nursery teaching across the week, supported by two teaching assistants. For additional needs, the school’s SENCO holds a postgraduate certificate in special educational coordination. The school’s support programmes include Early Talk Boost for children aged three to four who need help understanding words and talking. Chatterboxes uses games, toys and books to support language for ages three to five. These provide specific starting points for discussing a child’s communication needs.
Children can have a school meal or bring lunch from home. Daily toothbrushing also forms part of nursery care, bringing oral hygiene into the routine.
Attending Ferney Lee’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process. Calderdale residents apply through the council’s online admissions service; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority.
For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as separate decisions.
Ferney Lee offers all families 30 hours of free nursery education each week, combining universal entitlement with its additional nursery offer. The maximum is ten sessions weekly. Its discretionary hours cannot be used for wraparound care, so those hours should not be counted towards a longer childcare day.
Term-time wraparound care runs Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 6pm. Meals, trips and wraparound care can bring additional charges; contact the school for current charges. For nursery enquiries or an arranged visit, call the office on 01706 254848.
The nursery caters for children from age three.
Nursery activities include growing broad beans, riding balance bikes and practising ball skills. Forest School leaders also work with nursery children.
Yes. Parents are invited to a weekly stay-and-sing and can share their child’s interests with staff to help shape learning.
No. A separate Reception application is required. Calderdale residents apply through the council’s admissions service, and other families apply through their home local authority.
Yes. Children can bring lunch from home or have a school meal.
