Penketh South Community Primary School Nursery

Long stretches of play indoors and outside give Penketh South’s nursery its character. Children can follow an interest, while adults observe and shape the next step in their learning. The provision caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds within Penketh South Community Primary School on Finlay Avenue in Warrington.

Morning and afternoon sessions, a lunch club and a full-day option give families different ways to organise attendance. This is a nursery with a school-day rhythm: its opening hours run from 8.40am to 3.25pm.

Play carries much of the learning. Children spend extended periods exploring inside and outdoors, with staff responding to what they notice rather than directing every activity. Small-group story and circle times bring children together for adult-led learning. That balance leaves room for individual interests alongside shared experiences.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines care with learning. Here, its seven areas cover language, physical development and emotional and social growth, alongside maths, literacy, understanding the world and art and design. In practical terms, children explore materials, construct something with a purpose and practise handling simple tools safely. Staff use observations to plan what comes next; a formal progress check between ages two and three reviews the prime areas of development.

Forest School adds a distinct outdoor element. Early years children have their own area, which they can use throughout the year as part of their outdoor learning. Sessions include exploration, games and activities chosen by children or adults. The allotment also gives children opportunities to grow plants from seed, bringing changes in the natural world into their learning.

In September 2022, early years teaching developed children’s language through careful adult modelling and extended their thinking and exploration through play. Nursery children encountered rhymes, poetry and both factual books and stories. These details give substance to the emphasis on communication: language is practised through everyday activity as well as books.

The class teacher is the main contact for early years families and oversees teaching, additional support and children’s welfare. Parents contribute to assessments of their nursery child’s progress. Across the school, communication includes conversations, meetings, phone calls and email, giving families several ways to raise a concern.

Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) involves the teacher and SENCo, with external agencies brought in where appropriate. Some children have individual B Squared targets, reviewed with parents. All teachers hold qualified teacher status, and staff, including teaching assistants, receive regular SEND training. In September 2022, nursery staff recognised possible additional needs promptly, and nursery children were settled and felt safe.

Lunch club connects the two sessions. Children can bring food from home or buy a hot meal prepared by the school kitchen. Safeguarding concerns can be raised through the Safe and Sound Team via the school office; the team holds formal meetings at least fortnightly.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Warrington Borough Council’s primary school admissions route and meet the normal deadline for their entry year. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

Transition support has a different purpose: helping children become familiar with their next setting. Teachers meet to pass on information, and more vulnerable children may receive extra visits, photographs of the new setting and meetings between staff. These arrangements support the change of classroom; they do not secure admission.

The morning session runs from 8.40am to 11.40am, followed by lunch club until 12.30pm. Afternoon attendance runs from 12.30pm to 3.25pm. The nursery accepts children receiving two-year funding and three-year funding, including 30 hours. Ask the school for current session, lunch-club and meal charges.

To express interest, complete the nursery expression-of-interest form and return it to the office at office@penkethsouth.tcat.uk.com. Nursery tours can be booked by email or on 01925 726558. A tour gives families a practical opportunity to discuss the attendance pattern they want before applying.