Forest Pre-School

Welcome to St James' Pre-School and Nursery

Giving Every Child an Exceptional Start

At St James' Pre-School and Nursery, we believe that every child deserves the very best start to their educational journey. We provide a happy, safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued, develop confidence and are encouraged to explore, discover and flourish. Our dedicated Early Years team creates exciting and meaningful learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning.

What We Offer

• A caring and experienced Early Years team who build positive relationships with children and their families.

• A stimulating and well-resourced learning environment designed to support children's development, interests and individual needs.

• Exciting indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, encouraging children to explore, investigate, create and develop their physical skills.

• A play-based curriculum that combines child-initiated exploration with carefully planned adult-led learning experiences.

• A strong focus on communication, language and early literacy, helping children develop the essential foundations for future learning.

• Full-day provision, including wraparound care for our pre-school children*, offering flexibility for families.

• The option to purchase snacks and lunches, supporting children's daily routines and well-being.

• A supportive transition into Reception, ensuring children develop the confidence, independence and skills needed for their next stage of education.

*Subject to availability. Charges may apply for some activities and sessions depending on your funded childcare entitlement. Please refer to our Nursery Charging Policy for current prices.

Learning Through Play

At St James', we recognise that young children learn best through play, exploration and meaningful interactions. Our bright, spacious and welcoming learning environment offers a wide range of opportunities for children to develop their creativity, curiosity and independence. Throughout the day, children enjoy a balance of self-selected activities and carefully planned adult-led experiences. Our practitioners support and extend children's learning through conversations, questioning, modelling and encouragement.

Outdoor learning and Forest School remains an important part of our provision. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy our extensive outdoor area, develop physical skills, investigate the natural world and experience learning beyond the classroom. Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework and supports children's development across all seven areas of learning.

A Nurturing Environment Where Every Child Matters

We understand how important it is for children to feel safe, happy and secure when beginning their Early Years journey. Every child is allocated a key person who develops a close, trusting relationship with them and their family. This ensures that children feel supported, their individual needs are understood and their achievements are recognised and celebrated. We work closely with parents and carers, recognising that strong partnerships between home and school are essential in helping children thrive.

Rooted in our school's Christian vision, ‘Serve one another in love’ (Galatians 5:13), our nursery promotes kindness, respect, friendship and a sense of belonging for every child and family.

Preparing Children for Reception

School readiness is an important part of our Early Years provision, and we believe that every child should feel confident, happy and excited about moving on to Reception. Through purposeful play, positive relationships and carefully planned learning opportunities, we support children in developing:

• Communication and language skills.

• Confidence, independence and self-care.

• Positive friendships and social skills.

• Emotional awareness and resilience.

• Early reading, writing and mathematical understanding.

• Curiosity, creativity and a positive attitude towards learning.

Our experienced practitioners carefully observe children's progress and plan activities that build on their interests, strengths and next steps. As part of St James' Church of England Primary School, we are able to provide a supportive and familiar transition into Reception, helping children take their next steps with confidence.

Nursery Places and Funded Childcare

St James' Pre-School and Nursery offers funded early education places for eligible children, alongside paid childcare sessions. Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, your child may be entitled to funded childcare hours. To find out more about available childcare support and check your eligibility, please visit:

www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

For information about available places, session times, fees or arranging a visit, please contact our school office.

Telephone: 01254 698335

We would be delighted to welcome you and your child to St James' Pre-School and Nursery.

Further Information and Support

For further advice about funded childcare and Early Years provision, please contact the Blackburn with Darwen Families Information Service.

Telephone: 01254 667877

Email: fis@blackburn.gov.uk

Early Years Funding: earlyyears.funding@blackburn.gov.uk

Early Education Funding Information and Application

Please refer to our Nursery Charging Policy for full details of session availability, funded entitlements and additional charges.