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Enrol on a 'Complete Antenatal Course' — Absolutely Free!
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Enrol on a ‘Complete Antenatal Course’ — Absolutely Free!

Enrol on a 'Complete Antenatal Course' — Absolutely Free!

Today's post introduces you to a free and comprehensive antenatal course.Whether you’re planning a family, are already pregnant, or have recently given birth, it’s beneficial to obtain as much knowledge and information as you can so that you are fully prepared. So, when we spotted a comprehensive antenatal course that allows free* access to UK families, we naturally wanted to share the opportunity with parents, expectant parents, and our readers. With that in mind, today’s post introduces you to a Complete Antenatal Course. It’s a free, 8-hour online course, led by midwives, that you can access today. We have already investigated it for you and thought it was fabulous! Read on to learn more about the course contents, highlights, and easy access details to get started — all at zero cost!

“This course has been carefully designed to guide you through every stage of your antenatal journey.” — NowBaby.

This well-presented antenatal course is delivered in video format. It contains 8 hours of content, divided into bite-sized chunks, which can be perused at your own pace. You can dip in and out, as time permits, via your login, which we’ll cover later in this article.

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* Is the Course Really Free?

The Complete Antenatal Course is currently free (correct at the time of writing; mid February 2026).Yes — the Complete Antenatal Course is currently free (correct at the time of writing, mid-February 2026). That assumes, of course, that you don’t choose to upgrade to premium options or sign up to other courses etc. We found it quick and easy to sign up without such add-ons — achieving virtually instant access to the course, without cost. That said, some families may consider paid upgrades if they so wish, for example, if they would like access to speak with midwives during the course, or get involved in Q&A sessions. It’s also worth pointing out that the main course is free because it’s funded through a commercial partnership — apparently saving £175! You may therefore see some short commercial clips during the course, but we found them minimal and unobtrusive.

“It’s divided into easy-to-follow modules, each containing short, focused videos. This structure allows you to learn at your own pace, whether you prefer to watch a few videos at a time or complete a full module in one sitting.” — NowBaby.

What Does the Antenatal Course Cover?

The online course provides evidence-based, practical guidance for new and expectant parents through the stages from pregnancy, through birth, right info early parenthood. Each module is led clearly by experienced midwives to inform and empower parents on their early parenting journey.

The following course content is included:

The Pregnancy module includes 6 sub-sections that cover choosing a care provider, an antenatal appointment schedule explainer covering scans and tests, your diet including what you should/shouldn’t be eating during pregnancy, smoking, etc., self-care during pregnancy, possible complications to be aware of, and informed choice and consent information.

Preparing the Mind & Body for Birth has 7 sections that cover what affects the birth experience, choosing a birth place, what to pack in your birth/hospital bag, writing down your birth preferences (your Birth Plan), hormones and labour, your birth environment (a.k.a. Birth Zone), and finally perineal massage and its benefits.

Labour & Birth has ten sub-sections that include discussions around foetal position and which is best, signs that you’re heading towards labour, how to know you’re beginning labour, the various stages explained, the optimal time for cutting the umbilical cord, what’s known by midwives as ‘the golden hour’, the importance of skin-to-skin contact, checks on the newborn baby, the role of birth partners, and assisted births (using ventouse or forceps).

Pain Management comprises 6 course videos explaining the various options available to manage pain during labour. These include hypnobirthing, warm water showers, baths, TENS machines, Entonox (gas and air), opioids, and epidurals.

The Induction of Labour module is divided into 6 sub-sections that cover everything from what being induced means, augmentation of labour, decision-making, methods of induction, starting the process, and pain management during induction of labour (bearing in mind induced labour may be more intense for some).

The Caesareans module is divided into 3 sub-sections that include possible reasons for caesarean sections, the process of giving birth via caesarean and what to expect, and finally what to expect when you go home following a caesarean.

The Postnatal Recovery module discusses possible blood loss following birth, breast changes to expect, perineal tears, emotional and mental health considerations, and common postpartum concerns.

The Newborn Care module is a very comprehensive course containing 12 sub-sections. These cover the Golden Hour that immediately follows birth — and why it’s important — along with the checks that are likely to be made for newborns, dressing your baby, swaddling, cleaning and bathing your baby, sleep for newborns, nappy change preparation and tips, jaundice and what to look for, and more. Towards the end of the module, there is also a commercial that you have to watch before being able to proceed to the next module, but it’s only short.

The Breastfeeding module is another comprehensive one and contains 9 sub-sections. These cover everything you need to know about breastfeeding, including anatomy and physiology, the benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby, how best to establish successful breastfeeding, expressing/pumping, ‘responsive’ feeding explained, what cluster feeding is and how it presents itself, potential problems or concerns around breastfeeding, and much more.

Infant First Aid & Medical Conditions is the final module in the free online course. This is a huge section, although most of the 20 or so sub-sections are only 1 or 2 minutes long. Covered are common conditions that may affect your baby, tips about how to manage them if you were at home without medical assistance nearby, common breathing problems, how to do resuscitation, first aid and basic life support for babies, tummy troubles, screening and tests commonly undertaken for babies, growth and centiles, followed finally by a section about jaundice and what the course midwife refers to as ‘funny head shapes’.

Remember: if you’re ever concerned about your baby, do reach out to a health professional, for example, your midwife, health visitor, GP, or paediatrician. In the event of a medical emergency, dial 999. For non-emergencies, the NHS number is 111.

The course is a “comprehensive guide for expectant parents to navigate pregnancy, prepare for labour, and care for newborns, ensuring a healthy and informed journey into parenthood.” — NowBaby.

How to Sign Up for the Free Antenatal Course

How to sign up for the free antenatal course.You can currently sign up for the course here. Currently it’s free of charge and, when we tested it, we didn’t need to enter any payment details at all, having not selected any extras during sign-up. In fact, it was surprisingly quick and easy to gain access to the online course.

Choose your preferred password and, once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive various emails by return. These will include one welcoming you to the ‘Complete Antenatal Course’, and another confirming the login web address and a username reminder. Enjoy!

We hope many parents and prospective parents take the opportunity to make the most of this wonderful — and free — antenatal course. It’s incredibly comprehensive and informative, while also being presented in an easy-to-digest way. By immersing yourself in the course, you should feel more confident, informed, and empowered, and ready for the parenting journey ahead.

Your Childcare Provider in Clayton-le-Woods

Little Acorns Nursery provides high-quality childcare in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.Are you looking for high-quality, reliable weekday childcare for your baby, toddler, or child under five? If you live in or around Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Little Acorns Nursery would be a great choice! With a Good Ofsted rating, support for free childcare hours for eligible working families and our own Forest School, Little Acorns would make a fabulous choice.

To start exploring a possible place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery, please get in touch via one of the following options:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

As well as suiting families in Clayton-le-Woods, Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, and Chorley, Little Acorns Nursery may also be convenient for those in nearby locations like Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, and Penwortham.

About NowBaby

The free antenatal course is delivered online by NowBaby, whose website states: they provide expert antenatal education online and in-person to expectant parents across the nation; courses are run by qualified and highly-experienced midwives and healthcare professionals and are peer-reviewed for accuracy; they work in partnership with over 140 NHS antenatal clinics across England and Wales and have partnered with the NHS for 24 years; they have a 4.8 rating on Trustpilot. (Learn more about NowBaby here). That said, we cannot make any guarantees in relation to third-party information, services or websites, including those of NowBaby. It is therefore important to do your own research and due diligence.

 

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Our Clayton-le-Woods Forest School is Open!
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Our Clayton-le-Woods Forest School is Open!

Our Clayton-le-Woods Forest School is Open!

Our much-loved Forest School in Clayton-le-Woods re-opens from Spring 2026.We’re delighted to share some very exciting news: our much-loved Forest School in Clayton-le-Woods re-opens in Spring (2026). After dedicated staff training, careful preparation and thoughtful planning, we’re ready to welcome children back to outdoor learning — and we know it’s something they will be extremely excited about.

Forest School has always been an important part of who we are as a nursery. In fact, we are proud to have been the very first setting in the area to establish a Forest School, and it quickly became a highlight of the week for our children. Bringing it back now feels like a natural and meaningful step forward, rooted in the proven belief that young children thrive when they are given time, space and freedom to explore the natural world around them. Indeed, spending time in and around nature is profoundly beneficial to children.

A Natural Choice for Our Nursery & Children

Our childcare nursery is surrounded by local parks, green spaces and natural open areas, making Forest School a perfect fit.Our nursery is surrounded by local parks, green spaces and natural open areas, making Forest School a perfect fit. What’s more, nature is already part of daily life here, and Forest School will allow children to experience it more deeply and more intentionally. They are naturally curious and want to touch, observe, ask questions and make sense of what they see around them. Being outdoors opens up the enormity of the natural world to them. It gives them opportunities to notice changes in the seasons, discover plants and wildlife, better understand the circle of life, and their place in the world. It helps them develop a real sense of connection to their environment, and their power and responsibility over it. Those are all things that would be difficult to replicate indoors alone.

Safety First

Forest School’s re-opening follows comprehensive training for our team, alongside detailed preparation of activities, routines and risk assessments. Safety is, of course, always our top priority. Sessions are well supervised, thoughtfully structured, and designed to support exploration in a calm, nurturing, and safe way.

What Forest School Is All About

Forest School allows children to learn about nature, build new skills, learn to assess risks, and grow in confidence and independence.Forest School is a child-centred approach to learning that takes place outdoors and encourages children to explore, investigate, and learn about the natural world through hands-on experiences. Sessions are led by trained practitioners and are carefully planned to be age-appropriate for under-fives. They allow children to learn about nature, build new skills, learn to assess risks, and grow in confidence and independence.

Forest School isn’t about rushing or achieving a set outcome. It’s about giving children time — time to wonder, to try, to persevere and to feel proud of what they can do — all at their own pace.

Supporting Development, Confidence & the EYFS

Forest School teaches children so much about the world, and about themselves.Forest School offers rich opportunities for learning across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. As children climb, balance, build, dig, collect and create, they naturally develop physical strength, coordination and problem-solving skills. They learn to communicate with one another, take turns, share ideas and work together, supporting social and emotional development in a meaningful context.

Being outdoors also supports children’s emotional wellbeing. Nature has a calming influence, helping children to regulate their emotions, build resilience and develop self-confidence. Whether a child is energetic and adventurous, or quieter and more reflective, Forest School offers something valuable for every personality and learning style.

Learning About Nature, Responsibility & Our Place in the World

Spending regular time in nature helps children build an understanding of living things — plants, animals and insects — and how they all play a role in the world around us. Through observation and gentle guidance, children begin to develop empathy and respect for flora and fauna, learning that all living things need care and consideration.

Forest School also supports early understanding of responsibility towards the environment and one another. Children learn that their actions matter, helping them develop a sense of stewardship for the planet and a growing awareness of their own place within it. Such early experiences lay important foundations for values such as kindness, responsibility and respect.

Forest School Beyond the Woodland

Little Acorns Nursery ensures that children have Forest School resources and activities both outside and indoors.Forest School is not limited to time spent outdoors for children at Little Acorns Nursery. The Forest School approach is also reflected throughout our nursery environment, both indoors and in our garden and grounds. Natural materials, open-ended resources and opportunities for exploration are woven into everyday play, allowing children to continue their connection with nature — whether indoors or outside.

This consistency helps children feel confident and supported, reinforcing learning and curiosity across multiple areas of the setting.

Discovering Nature in Every Season

Re-opening Forest School means children will initially experience the unique magic of nature in winter. Frosty mornings, muddy puddles, bare trees and changing weather all offer rich learning opportunities that will inspire meaningful — and often profound — conversations. Forest School is a year-round experience, though. So, as the seasons pass from winter, through spring and summer into autumn, each will bring new discoveries and moments of wonder to the children in our care.

A Special Part of Nursery Life

Offering Forest School reflects our commitment to high-quality, thoughtful early years practice.For families already with us, Forest School adds another enriching layer to the care and education your child receives. For those considering joining our nursery, it’s one of the many reasons we believe our setting offers something truly special. Being able to offer Forest School — especially as a nursery that pioneered it locally — reflects our commitment to high-quality, thoughtful early years practice.

After all, childhood is about curiosity, connection and discovery — and there is no better place to begin than in nature itself. Learn more about Forest School in our ultimate guide here.

Contact Little Acorns Nursery

Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.The whole team at Little Acorns Nursery is incredibly excited to see Forest School come back to life this spring. We can’t wait to watch our children grow, learn and flourish outdoors. If you’d like to find out more about Forest School or our weekday childcare services for under-fives, contact us, speak to our team, or come and see us; we’ll be delighted to tell you more.

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is a childcare nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, but may also suit families living close by, for example, in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Penwortham, Buckshaw Village, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Euxton, and Leyland.

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Fabulous New Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley
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Fabulous New Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Fabulous New Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley
A fabulous new Ofsted report is out for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley. Published on 30 September 2025, it follows an inspection earlier that month. Parents and local families will be delighted to learn that, once again, Little Acorns Nursery was rated as ‘Good’ across all categories. That’s a high rating for overall effectiveness, the quality of education, the behaviour and attitudes of those attending, the personal development of staff, and the quality of leadership and management at the setting. A clean sweep! It’s news that will instil confidence in families that are considering enrolling a child at the nursery, and a clear demonstration that little ones who attend will benefit enormously — and be kept safe.

“What is it like to attend this early years setting?”

“The provision is good” — Ofsted.

  • Ofsted's latest report (Sept 2025) rates Little Acorns Nursery 'Good' in every category.Overall effectiveness: Good
  • The quality of education: Good
  • Behaviour and attitudes: Good
  • Personal development: Good
  • Leadership and management: Good

Let’s take a look at some of the positive findings and encouraging comments from the Ofsted Inspector who prepared this latest report.

  • Children Feel Happy, Settled,
    Safe & Secure at the Nursery

    The Ofsted Inspector could clearly see that children at Little Acorns are happy and feel at home at the nursery:

    “Children are happy and settled at the nursery… Staff help children to learn important language, such as to describe their feelings. This helps children to feel safe and secure at the nursery.” — Ofsted.

    She later also remarked that staff “are responsive to children’s needs, feelings and moods” and “encourage children to express and say what they feel,” later concluding in the report that “Children’s well-being is supported effectively.”

  • A Positive Attitude to Learning

    As the Ofsted Inspector said in her report, “Children make good progress in their learning of the nursery’s curriculum”, and she recognised the positive approach to children’s learning at the setting:

    “Leaders are ambitious for children’s learning and development. They are clear about the knowledge that they want children to learn and why.” — Ofsted.

    And, with that in mind, it was clear to the Inspector that children’s learning and development are nurtured well by thoughtful and attentive staff:

    “Staff know the children well. They provide meaningful learning opportunities that build on children’s interests effectively… Children demonstrate a positive attitude to their learning.” — Ofsted.

  • Children’s Personal Development is Promoted Well

    Ofsted’s report also points out that children’s personal development is nurtured very effectively, resulting in them becoming independent and “confident in their own abilities.”

    “Leaders make certain that staff promote children’s personal development well. Children benefit from the many opportunities that staff provide to help them to become independent.” — Ofsted.

  • Help Making Friends

    The Ofsted Inspector also recognised the nursery’s positive role in helping babies and children socialise and make friends:

    “They develop important knowledge about how to make friends because of staff’s skilful help. Babies show curiosity and are inquisitive about others. Older children are confident when meeting new people.” — Ofsted.

  • Help Developing Physical Skills

    The way the nursery and its practitioners help children develop physical skills was also picked up in the latest Ofsted report. The Inspector sang the praises of the ‘thoughtful’ early years practitioners and the appropriateness of equipment:

    “The nursery provides plenty of opportunities for children to develop essential physical skills. For example, staff working with babies provide climbing equipment, such as low-level steps, for babies to explore how they can move their bodies. Staff working with older children provide them with access to large equipment, such as the outdoor slide and wheeled ride-on toys. Children delight in testing out how strong they have become because of the thoughtful help of the nursery.” — Ofsted.

  • Strong Safeguarding at the Nursery

    Ofsted’s inspector applauded the nursery’s “effective” safeguarding arrangements:

    “There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.” — Ofsted.

    She also recognised recent safeguarding enhancements. With regard to possible allergens, for example, she remarked:

    “The provider ensures that known allergies for children are identified, understood and managed well… It is now a nut-free nursery. Staff have attended relevant training and leaders have strengthened risk assessments.” — Ofsted.

    And, with regard to security, she noted the excellent measures in place:

    “The provider ensures that the premises are safe and secure […] additional locks and entrance bells have been added to the nursery’s external gate. Staff understand their responsibility to ensure that external doors are locked and that they adhere to the nursery’s risk assessments. Leaders ensure that children are adequately supervised. This ensures the safety of children.” — Ofsted.

  • Staff Recognised

    Another key area that Ofsted inspectors look at is staffing. For example, are staff happy, are they adequately supervised and managed by leaders, and are they given the opportunity to grow? Well, as the ‘Good’ ratings for ‘Personal Development’ and ‘Leadership & Management’ in this latest report testify, it was a resounding ‘yes’ on all counts. The Inspector recognised that the leaders ‘ensure the smooth running of the nursery’ and support the work of staff. She went on to report:

    “leaders ensure that supervisions for staff are effective and include opportunities to discuss individual staff’s training and development needs. Staff receive effective coaching from leaders that improves the quality of education that children receive.” — Ofsted.

Click here to view/download the September 2025 Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley.

Little Acorns Nursery: a High-Quality Childcare Service in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.As the latest Ofsted report testifies, Little Acorns Nursery is a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality childcare service in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. We’re open virtually all year round, support funded childcare places for children aged 9 months to 4 years (inclusive), and give under-fives the best start in life. Contact us today to arrange a guided visit to the nursery, ask any questions, or enrol your child for a nursery place. We can’t wait to meet you!

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is an award-winning nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley, Central Lancashire, and may also represent a convenient choice for families living nearby in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, and Penwortham.

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Little Learners: Get Ready for World Bee Day!

Little Learners: Get Ready for World Bee Day!

World Bee Day is a wonderful opportunity for families and supervised children to get involved in something meaningful, fun, and full of learning opportunities.Little learners, get ready – it’s almost time to buzz into action for World Bee Day! The annual event arrives in May and it’s a brilliant opportunity for children and families to get involved in something meaningful, fun, and full of learning opportunities.

Bees are amazing little helpers, whether in gardens, parks or the countryside — but they need our help too! World Bee Day is a chance for children to discover the magic of these fascinating creatures, learn more about the natural world, and start to build early environmental awareness. They can get proactive too. Whether by planting wildflowers, spotting bees in the garden, or creating bee-inspired arts and crafts, even our tiniest learners can join in the buzz. Read on to learn more about this fun, educational, and hugely worthwhile event, which takes place each May.

World Bee Day

World Bee Day arrives on the 20th May every year.World Bee Day is celebrated every year on 20th May to raise awareness of the vital role that bees and other pollinators play in our world. From helping plants grow and supporting the food we eat every day, bees are some of nature’s hardest workers – and they need our help to survive and thrive.

People around the world mark the day by learning more about bees, planting flowers, protecting wild habitats, and sharing ways to care for the environment. Under appropriate supervision, there are lots of ways even the youngest children can join in too!

2025’s World Bee Day Theme:

2025’s World Bee Day theme is “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all.”“Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”

2025’s theme is all about how bees help feed the world, and how we can look after them by taking inspiration from nature. Without bees and pollinators, there would be no fruit, vegetables, crops, and nuts to keep us healthy. The message is simple: if we care for bees and their habitats, they’ll continue to care for us too by helping our plants grow and keeping the planet blooming.

Learn more about World Bee Day, its background and its aims here.

How World Bee Day Supports Early Years Learning

Getting involved in World Bee Day supports many areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and helps children learn and grow in meaningful, hands-on ways.Getting involved in World Bee Day isn’t just fun — it also supports many areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), helping children learn and grow in meaningful, hands-on ways. Here are just a few ways bee-related activities can support early development:

  • Understanding the World: Through bee-related activities, children will learn about living things, the environment, and how everything in nature is connected. Exploring bees and their role in pollination helps little learners begin to understand the world around them — and how they can help look after it.
  • Communication and Language: Talking about bees, asking questions, listening to stories and learning new words (like ‘pollination’, ‘nectar’ and ‘hive’) builds vocabulary and encourages curiosity.
  • Young girl making bee crafts.Expressive Arts and Design: Making bee crafts, drawing flowers, role-playing as working bees, or moving like insects in a dance — all help develop creativity and imagination.
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Caring for nature supports empathy and kindness. Group activities like planting or creating a bee garden also build teamwork and a sense of shared responsibility.
  • Physical Development: Activities like planting seeds, cutting out bee shapes, or painting flower petals develop fine and gross motor skills through playful, purposeful movement.

In short, World Bee Day is a brilliant opportunity for young children to explore the wonders of the natural world in a way that supports their learning across multiple areas, is fun, and makes a difference!

Bee-Themed Activities for Under-Fives

There are so many fun and simple ways for little learners to join in with World Bee Day!There are so many fun and simple ways for little learners to join in with World Bee Day! Here are a few activities that are perfect for children under five — each one encourages creativity, curiosity, and care for nature while also supporting the EYFS.

Plant a Pollinator Patch

Children can help plant bee-friendly flowers such as lavender, sunflowers, or wildflowers in a pot, bed or border. This not only encourages responsibility and care as they water and watch the plants grow but also supports the EYFS’s Understanding the World, Personal, Social & Emotional Development, and Physical Development goals.

Make Buzzy Bee Crafts

Children can use materials like paper plates, cardboard tubes, egg cartons and recycled materials to create their own bees!Using paper plates, cardboard tubes, egg cartons or recycled materials, children can create their own bees! Add wings, stripes, googly eyes and antennae for a hands-on creative session. These are wonderfully creative activities that will boost several areas of the EYFS including Expressive Arts & Design and Physical Development.

Bee-Themed Storytime

Snuggle up with stories that introduce bees in a child-friendly way. Great choices include The Very Greedy Bee by Steve Smallman and Jack Tickle, Bee: Nature’s Tiny Miracle by Patricia Hegarty, and What if There Were No Bees? by Suzanne Slade. Even better, encourage children to create their own stories involving bees! After storytime, don’t forget to talk about what bees do with your child and ensure they understand why they’re important. These are great activities to boost the EYFS’s Communication & Language, Literacy and Understanding the World focus areas.

Sing and Dance Like a Bee

The Bee Waggle Dance (video).Do you or your child know about the bee Waggle Dance? It’s a real dance that honey bees do to communicate the direction, distance, and quality of a food source to the rest of the bee colony. Click the video thumbnail to learn more — it’s absolutely fascinating! It’s also a great piece of knowledge to inspire children to buzz around the room with bee-themed songs, dances, and movement games. What’s more, it will help children in their EYFS goals including Physical Development and Expressive Arts & Design.

Go Bee-Spotting

A bee-spotting activity is a great opportunity to explore areas of the EYFS that include Understanding the World and Communication & Language.Explore the garden or outdoor space and, without disturbing them, see what pollinators your child can spot. Can they see any bees? What colours and flowers do they seem to like best? Are they collecting nectar? What type of bees are they? Bumblebees are super cute. Honey bees are super-hard workers and do so much for the world. A bee-spotting activity is a great opportunity to explore areas of the EYFS that include Understanding the World and Communication & Language.

Honey Tasting and Talk

If age-appropriate (never feed to babies under 12 months) and there is no allergy to it, let children try a small taste of honey. Then talk about how bees make it, and discuss where it comes from. You could even take this a step further by helping your child make a simple honey-based snack. For example, honey drizzled over pancakes or porridge oats — delicious! Such activities can help children focus on EYFS areas including Understanding the World, Communication & Language, and Physical Development.

These activities are designed to feel like play but, underneath, they’re packed with learning opportunities. What’s more, they help children build positive associations with the natural world and start to understand that even small actions can make a big difference.

Let’s Celebrate Bees on World Bee Day

World Bee Day is a chance to slow down and take a closer look at the tiny creatures that do such big jobs for our planet. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to help young children connect with nature, ask questions, and start to develop a sense of care for the world around them. Through simple, enjoyable activities, families can help raise awareness of the challenges bees and other pollinators face — from habitat loss to climate change. It’ll show children that even small actions, like planting flowers or spotting bees in the garden, can make a difference. So, get them buzzing while they explore nature, grow in confidence and curiosity, and learn that they too can help protect bees along with the wonderful world they’re a part of.

Nursery Places in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.With our own gardens and outdoor spaces close by, children have lots of opportunities to explore and learn from nature at Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods. We know just how important nature is to children and it’s one of the many reasons we love introducing them to nature-based events, themes, and activities like those suggested in today’s post.

At Little Acorns Nursery, children have a wonderful start in life in a warm, caring, home-from-home environment where they feel safe, nurtured, and valued. Free childcare is available for eligible children from just 9 months of age. If you’d like to explore the possibility of sending your baby, toddler, or preschool child under five to this wonderful nursery and preschool in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, get in touch today. We’d love to answer any questions, tell you more, and show you and your child around the setting.

Contact Little Acorns Nursery

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Families living nearby in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham may also find our nursery conveniently close.

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Primary School Offers Day – a Guide & Options for Parents
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Primary School Offers Day – a Guide for Parents

Primary School Offers Day – a Guide & Options for Parents

Most families find out if children have received an offer for their preferred primary school in mid-April.When April is on the horizon, there is a buzz amongst parents whose children will receive school offers that month. It’s quite a milestone in the lives of families as it’s the time they’ll find out if their children have received an offer for their top school choice. If not, will they be offered another “preferred” school listed lower on their application? It will often have felt like a long wait to find out the results, too, with families having applied in mid-January or potentially months earlier. Because we are an early years nursery, today’s guide focuses on primary school offers. We’ll explain in detail when to expect your child’s primary school offer, criteria that may have affected it, and your options if you’re not happy with the school place offered. To keep things as simple as possible, we’ll concentrate on applications for a standard school start date in the September term (rules and dates for ‘in-year’ applications are slightly different). If your child is due to start primary school this year, take a look.

School Place Statistics

The good news is that nearly all primary school applications result in an offer for one of the ‘preferred’ schools as listed in your original application. Indeed, the results from 2024 for the 2024/25 academic year showed some encouraging statistics:

  • 93.2% of children achieved an offer for their topmost preferred primary school.
  • 98.6% achieved an offer for one of their top 3 preferred schools.
  • 98.8% achieved an offer for one of their preferred schools (applicants can list from 3 to 6 or so schools, depending on the local authority).
  • Only 1.12% did not achieve an offer for any of their preferred primary schools.

The percentages shown above were for the 555,600 primary school applications received for the 2024/25 academic year.

When is Primary School Offers Day?

Primary school offers for children starting in the September term, whose applications were submitted by the mid-January deadline, start to arrive with parents on the 16th of April. (Secondary school placement offers arrive a little earlier, on or soon after the 1st of April).

What If You Don’t Receive Your Child’s Offer on the 16th?

If you don’t receive your child’s primary school offer on the 16th of April, it could be for a number of reasons. These include:

  • Families have a number of options if they don't receive the primary school offer they had hoped for.The 16th of April arrived on a weekend or public holiday that year. If so, offers will usually start to arrive on the next working weekday.
  • You applied ‘in year’ i.e. outside the usual timing for a school start date (usually the beginning of the September term). For example, families who move house often fall into this category as their child then needs to move school perhaps mid-year and/or mid-term.
  • Your application was late or was submitted, for some reason, after the mid-January deadline. School places are prioritised for those who submit on time, i.e. by the standard mid-January deadline.
  • You changed your mind after submitting the standard form and were then required to use a ‘late application form’ to submit your revised choices.
  • You applied by post rather than submitting electronically. Postal results are sent by second-class post, so are likely to arrive two or more days after emailed offers.
  • You did not include a valid email address on your application form.

So, to ensure you receive your child’s primary school offer as early as possible, submit your application online and on time (by the mid-January deadline) and include a valid email address as part of that application. Those without them, or who submitted by post, may have to wait a few extra hours or days to receive their offers.

That said, some local authorities allow parents/carers to log into their admissions portal to view school offers online.

Accepting an Offer

Important: If you’d like to accept the school offered to your child, there is a deadline for that too. If you miss it, the school place you were offered may be offered to someone else, for example, someone on a waiting list or who submitted their application late. The deadline may vary from location to location. So, it’s important to read your offer closely as that communication will confirm the deadline for you to accept your offer. That’s all the more important for oversubscribed primary schools, which may have a queue of people ready and waiting for a place.

Rejecting an Offer

You also have the right to reject an offer, of course. However, that may not be the most sensible option as it could then leave your child with no school offer at all. Acceptance of any offer given may be the best option, so your child has a primary school place to fall back on, in tandem with an appeal, which we’ll come to next.

Appealing

Families can appeal if they’re not happy with an offer, for example, if the child was not offered a school on their preferred list, or if the one offered was lower down on their preferences. You may be required to submit evidence to support the reasons for your appeal, which also has a deadline. Once submitted, the appeal hearing must be held within 40 school days of that deadline. You usually receive a decision within 5 school days. You can appeal the decision if you have a valid complaint about the way the appeal process was carried out. Learn more about the appeals process here.

School Waiting Lists

Another option for those whose children didn’t receive the offer they’d hoped for or, in a tiny number of cases, any offer at all, is to apply to be put on a preferred school’s waiting list. It’s also an option for those who have a change of mind. For such people, it’s a good idea to register an interest with the school they’d like and contact the local authority to officially apply for that school’s waiting list. Note that they can do so even if they have received and accepted an existing offer; apparently one does not affect the other.

Criteria for Offers

It will be useful for parents to know some of the key criteria local authorities use when weighing up primary school offers. One of the foremost is your child’s proximity to the school; the closer the better. Also, if your child has an older sibling already at the school, that will be a huge benefit to your application. Your child’s faith/religion will also be a deciding factor if applying to a matching faith school. Disadvantaged children who are eligible for the Pupil Premium grant and, for families in the armed forces, those who are supported by the Service Pupil Premium (SPP) will also be looked upon favourably. Another factor that will really help children’s applications is when a parent has worked at the school in question for two or more years. However, other factors may also apply, so be sure to research the criteria for your particular local authority and specific schools that you have in your sights.

Guide to Primary School Applications

Guide to Primary School Applications

If your child has not yet applied for a primary school place and is approaching the age of 3 or 4, you may want to check out our Guide to Primary School Applications.

We wish all parents of children expecting primary school offers good fortune and hope their children are offered the places they’d hoped for. Good luck on Primary School Offers Day!

Under-5s Get School-Ready at Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.At Little Acorns Nursery and preschool in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, we ensure children are given all the tools and encouragement they need to become the very best versions of themselves. With our approach as early years practitioners, they are set to thrive in every area of their learning and development. By ensuring that every child is as school-ready as possible by the time they leave us, we know they have everything they need to settle in well and hit the ground running from the moment they begin primary school. We wish our preschoolers good luck with their school offers this April, safe in the knowledge that, wherever they go, they are set for success.

Get in touch today to apply for a nursery place, arrange a visit to see the setting, or ask us a question — we’re here to help!

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is a nursery and preschool in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley, Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, and Penwortham (Central Lancashire).

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Winter Nature Hunt — a Fun Activity for Children (with Free Reference Sheet)
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Winter Nature Hunt — a Fun, Educational Activity for Children (Free Reference Sheet!)

Winter Nature Hunt — a Fun, Educational Activity for Children (with Free Reference Sheet!)

With the season of winter arriving in December, new opportunities for outdoor activities arise for children of all ages. And, as nature and outdoor play are so beneficial for children, we thought a winter nature hunt would be a great idea (cool even!). With that in mind, we’ve put together a free, downloadable, reference sheet of 20 things for children to look out for during this season. Despite the colder temperatures at this stage of the year, if children are wrapped up in warm clothes and suitably supervised by an adult, there is still lots for them to enjoy, discover, and learn from. That’s even more true for children still in their early years. Nature is a huge educator and is often stunningly beautiful too. A winter nature hunt is therefore a great excuse to get them outdoors, exploring, discovering, learning and simply having fun!

There’s So Much for Children to Discover in Winter

A winter nature hunt will open children’s eyes to some of the many fascinating things that the season brings. Through this activity, their attention will be drawn to magical things like leaf skeletons of different shapes and sizes, or beautifully organic lichen growing on twigs and branches. It will help educate them about the difference between evergreen firs, with pine needles that stay all year round, and deciduous trees that shed every leaf over winter. Adults can show children that every snowflake is unique — it will fascinate every child who manages to catch one and take a close look. Children can learn about wildlife too. For example, robins and blackbirds tend to stay resident over winter while other species migrate to warmer climes. Then, when a frosty morning arrives, parents or supervising adults can draw children’s attention to the astonishing beauty of frost covering a spider’s web. With some encouragement to get outdoors, children will be able to witness frost encrusting plants, trees and grass, or making organic patterns on windows or frozen puddles. Then, of course, when snow falls and settles, the fun will really begin!

Winter Nature Hunt — a Fun Activity for Children (with Free Reference Sheet)

Download our Free Winter Nature Hunt Reference Sheet

The preview image above shows what the free Winter Nature Hunt reference sheet looks like and the 20 suggested things for children to look out for. Click to download or view in high-resolution Acrobat Reader (∞) format. Print out at A4 or even A3 and children will be able to take the reference sheets out with them and tick off each item discovered. Not only will it be a fun adventure, but outdoor play is good for children and being close to nature benefits little ones in a huge variety of ways. Follow the bold links to learn more.

More Free Nature Activity Posters for Kids:

Our Winter Nature Hunt poster is just one of several nature-themed activity sheets that are free for families and children to download. Also available is a reference sheet for an autumn nature hunt and stunning posters that introduce children to butterflies, birds, mammals, and minibeasts. Children will love to display these in bedrooms or print them out and take them with them when on outdoor excursions. They’re all fun, attractive, adventurous, and educational!

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

High-quality Weekday Childcare for Under-5s in Central Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.Today’s post and the free poster were brought to you by Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. We’re a wonderful setting for babies and children under five, offering a first-class early years education and professional weekday childcare. We have incredible indoor facilities, a self-contained preschool block, and two gardens where children can explore, play, discover and learn. The gardens allow children to connect with nature which, as we’ve said before, is incredibly good for them. We also support various free childcare funding schemes, including free childcare hours for eligible babies as young as just 9 months, making childcare more affordable for Lancashire families.

Consider a nursery place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery today. Choose a button to start your application, arrange a tour, or ask a question:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

As a nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, we may also suit families in nearby locations including:
Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

Safety Notice

Young children should be supervised by a responsible parent or adult, especially during outdoor activities. Risks will need to be assessed and mitigated in each situation. For example, care should be taken to educate little ones about the dangers of potentially poisonous berries, plants and fungi, as well as being mindful of hazards like slipping on ice, stranger danger, wandering off and getting lost, traffic, and dangers associated with frozen ponds, lakes and even puddles. Children should also be dressed appropriately and be protected from the cold, wet, and any adverse weather conditions.

 

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Glowing Ofsted Feedback for Little Acorns Nursery, Chorley
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Glowing Ofsted Feedback for Little Acorns Nursery

Glowing Ofsted Feedback for Little Acorns Nursery, Chorley

Our post today spotlights some of the many glowing comments made by the Ofsted inspector following her recent visit.Today we look at the wonderful Ofsted report published recently for Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley. Ofsted is The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Their inspector visited this fabulous Lancashire childcare setting in late August and released its official report a month later on 25 September 2024. Our post today spotlights some of the many glowing comments made by the inspector therein, following her visit. It also highlights the reasoning for ‘good provider’ ratings across all areas of the Ofsted report. Take a look and you’ll see why babies, children under five, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities absolutely thrive at Little Acorns.

How Does Ofsted Rate Little Acorns Nursery, Chorley?

It’s a clean sweep across all sectors of the Ofsted report:

“The provision is good” — Ofsted

  • Ofsted report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, LancashireOverall effectiveness: Good
  • The quality of education: Good
  • Behaviour and attitudes: Good
  • Personal development: Good
  • Leadership and management: Good

Let’s look at some of the wonderful comments made by the Ofsted inspector in her latest report for the setting:

  • Children are Happy at Little Acorns Nursery

    It’s great to see that the Ofsted inspector picked up on just how happy children are at Little Acorns Nursery, Chorley:

    “Children are welcomed warmly by the friendly staff. They arrive happily and are excited to spend time with staff and their peers.” — Ofsted

  • Little Acorns Children are Confident

    We also do everything we can to ensure that children feel confident and valued at Little Acorns and it’s good to see that this was also abundantly clear to the Ofsted inspector:

    “Children are confident, and those who need reassurance receive it in abundance from staff. This helps to enhance children’s self-esteem.” — Ofsted

     

  • Tailored Learning & Support for Children with Special Needs/Disabilities

    Little Acorns Nursery’s support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (‘SEND’) was particularly well regarded by the Ofsted Inspector. In her report, she commented:

    “All children, including those with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress from their starting points.” — Ofsted

    And later …

    “Staff are knowledgeable about the individual needs of all children attending the nursery, including those with SEND. They ensure that, if needed, children are referred to other professionals in a timely manner. Staff work collaboratively with a range of outside agencies. This helps to ensure that the curriculum meets children’s individual needs. — Ofsted

  • Safeguarding — Child Safety at Little Acorns Nursery

    The safety and well-being of children is of paramount importance in any setting. Ofsted recognised the good safeguarding policies and measures taken at Little Acorns Nursery, where staff ensure child safety at all times, including mealtimes:

    “The arrangements for safeguarding are effective […] There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.” — Ofsted

    “Staff notice and minimise risks to children’s health and safety in the nursery. They complete effective risk assessment and take swift action when they identify hazards. Staff show a good understanding of children’s dietary requirements and allergies. Each mealtime, staff check that children only receive food appropriate for their dietary needs.” — Ofsted

  • High-Quality Staff

    The quality of staff at childcare settings is critically important in so many ways. The Ofsted inspector’s comments demonstrate the quality and suitability of the team at Little Acorns Nursery:

    “… staff ensure the smooth running of the setting […] Children are welcomed warmly by the friendly staff.” — Ofsted

    “Staff form close bonds with children. Their nurturing interactions help children settle quickly into nursery routines.” — Ofsted

    Being a good role model to children is also hugely important, especially in the early years. Little Acorns Nursery staff were recognised in this regard as well as in respect to the high-quality curriculum that’s tailored for each child:

    “Staff are positive role models.” — Ofsted

    “Staff create an ambitious curriculum for all children.” — Ofsted

  • Good Behaviour at Little Acorns Nursery

    Nurturing good manners and appropriate behaviour amongst little ones benefits everyone including the children themselves.Any good nursery or childcare provider will ensure that children understand right from wrong and are mindful of the effect their actions have on others, including peers. Nurturing good manners and appropriate behaviour amongst little ones benefits everyone including, of course, the children themselves. Ofsted’s latest report recognised that Little Acorns is very successful in this regard:

    “Staff are positive role models. They help children learn how to share the toys and resources […] children behave well, they understand some rules such as having kind hands. ” — Ofsted

  • Good Support for Children’s Emotional Development

    Sound emotional development goes hand-in-hand with good behaviour. Staff were recognised by the Ofsted inspector for facilitating good emotional development in the children under their care:

    “Staff support children’s emotional development well. Pre-school children […] take turns to discuss what makes them feel happy and why. Children understand about different feelings and they are learning how to regulate their own emotions.” — Ofsted

  • Encouraging Creativity

    Staff provide plenty of opportunities for children to engage in a variety of activities that boost creativity, motor skills and more.Children find messy play hugely rewarding as well as being immense fun. Messy play nurtures children’s imaginations, creativity, dexterity, and self-expression and benefits them in many other ways. It is therefore a crucial part of early years learning and development — and more important than it perhaps sounds. Ofsted picked up on the quality of messy play activities at Little Acorns Nursery within its report:

    “[Staff] provide plenty of opportunities for children to engage in messy play. For example, babies splash in the raspberry filled water tray and explore the lemon and flowers inside. Pre-school children dip their fingers in paint and create their own colour monster. ” — Ofsted

    What’s more, such activities are good for their motor skills and coordination:

    “These opportunities help to develop children’s hand muscles in readiness for early writing.” — Ofsted

  • Nurturing Physical Development in Children

    Physical development is a crucially important part of a child’s early years and, as such, staff at Little Acorns Nursery are always keen to nurture it amongst children under their care:

    “Babies have plenty of space to crawl and to learn to walk. They beam with joy as they climb up the steps before coming down the indoor slide … Toddlers use spades to scoop up sand and fill their buckets. Pre-school children practise their hand eye coordination as they throw balls through hoops with staff outdoors. This helps to develop children’s larger muscle movements.” — Ofsted

  • Nurturing Independence

    Learning how to be more independent is hugely important for children, particularly in their early years. Not only does it help them learn to be more self-sufficient, but it also boosts confidence and self-esteem and helps to better prepare them for school.

    “Staff promote children’s independence well. Toddlers try to put their own superhero costumes and masks on as they dress up. Pre-school children serve their own food at mealtimes. Children are learning how to manage their own personal hygiene. These opportunities help children to feel proud of the tasks they can complete by themselves.” — Ofsted

  • Well-Promoted Communication & Language Skills

    Communication and language are two of the major keystones of child development. Without such skills, children will really struggle. It is therefore heartening to see that the Ofsted inspector recognised the successes of our approach at Little Acorns:

    “Children’s communication and language skills are promoted well.” — Ofsted

  • Good Partnerships with Parents

    Early years education is more successful when all the adults in a child’s life are pulling in the same direction. That’s why staff at Little Acorns Nursery nurture partnerships with children’s parents and it’s good to see both Ofsted and parents recognising this:

    “Overall, partnerships with parents are good. Staff work closely with parents to share updates on their child’s development using the parent app. Parents discuss the positive relationships staff have built with children.” — Ofsted

View or download the full [September 2024] Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery here.

[2025 UPDATE]: A later Ofsted report was released at the end of September 2025. Learn more about the excellent findings here.

Little Acorns Nursery: a Good, Caring Childcare Provider in Clayton-le-Woods

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.As you can see from the wonderful Ofsted comments in their latest report, Little Acorns is a high-quality nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley. Children have a fabulous start at the setting, in a warm, loving, caring and nurturing environment where the best is brought out in each child in readiness for school. If this sounds like something you’d like for your baby or child under five, contact us, register for a place, or request a free guided visit today:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

As an award-winning childcare provider located in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley, we may also suit those living in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, Penwortham and Central Lancashire.

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Applying For a Primary School Place: a Guide for Parents (Time-Sensitive!)
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Applying For a Primary School Place: a Guide for Parents (Time-Sensitive!)

Applying For a Primary School Place: a Guide for Parents (Time-Sensitive!)

If your child is 3 or has just turned 4, it’s time for you to apply for their primary school place.If your child is 3 or, at the latest, has just turned 4, it’s time for you to apply for their primary school place. What’s more, you only have until about mid-January to do so. That’s all true whether you intend them to start school at 4 or leave it until they’re 5. In today’s guide, we explain the rules around applying for a primary school place, the key dates you need to know, what to expect, and the various options open to you and your child.

When to Apply for a Primary School Place

Applications for starting at Primary School need to be made when your child is 3 or, as we said above, has just turned 4 at the very latest. When they have reached this age range, the application needs to be submitted during the period between the 1st of September of the current year and the 15th of January of the next year. So, at the time of writing (October 2024), applications are already open and parents have until 11:59 pm on the 15th of January 2025 to apply. Don’t leave it until the last minute, though, just in case there are technical issues if applying online or postal delays if using the paper version of the application form.

Legal School Age & Your Child’s Starting Options

‘Compulsory School Age’, the legal age by which children must begin school, is the 31st of December, March or August (whichever of those arrives first) after they’ve turned 5. However, starting earlier is also an option and one that is taken up by many.

Starting ‘Early’ at 4

Compulsory School Age begins on the 31st of December, March or August (whichever arrives first) after children have turned 5.Most children in England start primary or infant school earlier, in ‘Reception’ year. For most, this will be in the September term when they’re still only 4. That’s just one reason why applying for a primary school place is so important while they’re only 3 or, at the very latest, have just turned 4.

Whether a child begins school at 4 or 5 depends on several factors including the preference of the child’s parents. Some parents, particularly those with a child whose birthday falls between the 1st of April and the 31st of August (a “summer-born child”), may simply feel that their child is not ready to begin school at the age of four. If born during this date range, they would be amongst the youngest in the year. In such a scenario, parents can decide to defer the child’s start to the later, legal, age of 5 if they so wish.

Deferring Until 5

Where parents do decide to defer their child’s school start to the age of five, it’s worth noting that local admission authorities and schools can decide whether the child will begin school in Reception Year (effectively Year Zero) or Year One. This decision will need to be carefully made, taking into consideration the best interests of the child. For example, their specific needs and abilities will be a factor. Whether it’s best to begin school in Year One with contemporaries mostly of the same age or go into Reception Year with children who are mostly younger, to ensure they have the basics, will be among the various deciding factors. Learn more about deferring until five here.

Note that summer-born children deferring until the following year may be required to submit an extra application form by the same mid-January deadline.

How & Where to Apply for a Primary School Place

Make your official primary school application through your local authority. However, sometimes additional forms are required by some settings, for example, church schools.Registering an interest that you’re interested in a particular primary school is sensible and, indeed, may result in the school supplying some useful information. However, it will not guarantee your child a place even if it’s attached to their nursery or preschool. You therefore need to make your official application through your local authority, which can be identified here by entering your postcode. Once identified, navigate to their site using the green button supplied after your postcode search. For example, if you live locally to Little Acorns Nursery near Chorley, you would arrive at Lancashire County Council’s primary school portal. As that example shows, local authorities supply lots of information about applying — indeed it’s an absolute mine of information – along with a simple button or link to actually begin your application for a primary school place for your child.

You may need to quickly first register with the system if you have not used it before, or enter your User ID and password if you already completed that process. Once applying for a primary school place, you’ll need to enter the kind of information you’d expect (name, address, details about your child including their permanent address, etc.) along with confirmation of whether they will already have a sibling attending any of the schools you are applying for once they start, plus the name of their Local Care Authority if they are receiving care, and so on.

Note that you may need to submit a supplementary information form in some circumstances, for example, with some church/faith schools.

Top 5 Tips for a Successful Application

  1. Make full use of all three of your school preferences during the application process.Research your local primary schools, visit them to get a feel for them, and ask teachers and heads any questions you may have. Schools often have open days or evenings or accept appointments for these purposes.
  2. Check if any of those that you’re considering applying for are usually very oversubscribed before submitting your application. Doing so will help to ensure that you submit choices that are more likely to succeed. You can usually contact your local authority and/or schools to discuss such likelihoods as they will be able to access historical data. Ensure at least one of your three choices stands a realistic chance of success i.e. is unlikely to be oversubscribed although, of course, nothing is guaranteed.
  3. Make use of all three of your school preferences available during the application process. Don’t be tempted to put the same school for all 3 of your choices. Doing so will not increase your chances of obtaining your top choice and will obviously mean you have no viable second and third choices, leaving you more open to disappointment.
  4. Be sure to enter a valid email address that you have access to during the application process. This will allow you to receive your school offer as soon as possible once released in April of the following year, rather than having to wait for a postal notification.
  5. Don’t be late with your application. Priority for school places is given to those who applied on time.

What Happens if You’re Late With Your Primary School Application?

What happens if you are applying for a primary school place for your child, want them to start in the standard September term, but miss the mid-January application deadline? In this scenario, you’ll need to fill in a ‘late application’ form. This will be available via your local authority website. Note, however, that priority for primary school places will be given to those who applied on time. This means that late applicants stand less chance of achieving their desired choice of schools because, potentially, there may no longer be available places by the time the late application is processed.

What if You Want to Change Your School Choice After Applying?

Sometimes, for one reason or another, a parent will wish to change the choice(s) they originally applied for. In such a scenario, check your local authority website for guidelines, which may require use of an alternative application form or, if beyond the mid-January deadline, even a ‘late application’ form. Again be aware, though, that applying (or re-applying) late may lower your choice of achieving your preferred choice(s).

Criteria for School Place Offers

Criteria by which admissions are judged vary a little from school to school, so parents will need to do their own research. However, such criteria have to be transparent and fair and adhere to legislation laid down by the Department of Education (DfE). Generally speaking, the following are typical factors that will usually affect admissions:

  • The child's proximity to the school is usually one of the key admission criteria.The child’s proximity to the school;
  • Whether or not the child will have a sibling already at the same school;
  • Whether or not it’s a church/faith school and whether that matches your child’s faith/religion;
  • Whether the child has a parent who has worked at the school for 2 or more years;
  • Whether the child qualifies for the Pupil Premium grant, for disadvantaged pupils, or the Service Pupil Premium (‘SPP’), for children of parents in the armed forces. (More info).

‘Offers Day’ for Primary School Places

For primary school places, offers are released on the 16th of April each year or on the next working day if that falls on a public holiday or weekend.For primary** school places, offers are released around the 16th* of April each year, the exact date depending on whether the 16th otherwise falls on a weekend or public holiday. For 2025, 2026, and 2027, primary school ‘offer day’ will therefore fall right on target on the 16th of April as each is a weekday for each of those years. Those applicants who had applied online, on time, and supplied an email address during the application process, will be the first to receive offers via email. Later the same day, others who supplied an email address will also receive offers via email. Those who applied without supplying an email address will have their offers posted via 2nd Class post, meaning they may find out what school their child has been offered a day or two later than the 16th of April. That said, some local authority portals allow all parents to log in to view school offers online.

** The date of ‘National Offer Day’ for secondary school places is a little different, but today we concentrate purely on primary school places.
* Those parents who apply late, via post, or for a primary school place starting ‘in year’ (rather than in the September term) are likely to receive offers for their children on a different date.

What to Expect on Primary School Offers Day

When it gets closer to April and the Offers Day for primary school places is closer, parents may appreciate our separate guide about what to expect on the day. We have included details about how and when to accept offers, what happens if you don’t accept an offer in time, how to reject them if you feel they are unsuitable, and what your options are if your child has not been offered the school you had hoped for. It also includes how to appeal a decision, waiting list options, and more. To learn more, head on over to our new article: Primary School Offers Day – a Guide for Parents.

The vast majority of parents secure one of their three preferences.

Our Clayton-le-Woods Nursery Gets Children ‘School-Ready’

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.Little Acorns is a fabulous nursery and preschool in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. With wonderful facilities, extensive grounds, and caring ‘early years’ practitioners, we nurture children to bring out the best in each area of their learning and development. In this way, we help them to become as ‘school-ready’ as possible by the time they leave us to begin primary school.

If you would like to explore the possibility of a nursery place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery, get started by choosing a button below:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is a high-quality nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. As such, we may also be a convenient choice for families in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, Penwortham and Central Lancashire.

 

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Free Childcare for Children Aged 9 Months+ (for Eligible Working Families Living in England)
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Free Childcare for Children Aged 9 Months+ (for Eligible Working Families in England)

Free Childcare for Children Aged 9 Months+ (for Eligible Working Families Living in England)

Since September 2024, eligible children as young as 9 months have been able to access free childcare in England.With September 2024 arriving, eligible children aged as young as 9 months can now access free childcare in England. The new childcare ‘hours’ are available where working families are eligible for the support and, in tandem, where local childcare providers are set up with appropriate staffing ratios and capacity. The good news, however, is that Little Acorns Nursery, in Clayton-le-Woods, supports the new scheme. It’s therefore with great pleasure that we’re now beginning to welcome children as young as just 9 months of age for free childcare hours at the Chorley setting.

In today’s guide, we’ll explain who is eligible and how much free childcare they can access right now — and in a year’s time when the scheme expands further.

When Does the New Childcare Support Start?

The new childcare support began at the start of September 2024, so it is already available for eligible children. It will expand yet further in September 2025 and we clarify what that means below.

What Free Childcare Can Babies (9m +) & Children of Eligible Working Families Access?

  • From September 2025, eligible children aged from 9 months to 4 years (incl.) will be able to take 1140 hours of free childcare per year.From September 2024 (so already active), eligible children aged from 9 months to 3 years of age can access 570 hours and eligible children aged 3 and 4 can access 1140 hours of free childcare support per year. The free hours are usually taken over the course of 38 weeks (equating to 15 and 30 hours per week respectively). However, some childcare providers may allow the hours to be spread over more weeks of the year by reducing the number of hours per week. Speak directly to your specific childcare provider about the availability of this more flexible option.
  • From September 2025, eligible children aged from 9 months to 3 years will also be able to take 1140 hours of free childcare per year, again usually taken as 30 hours per week. As before, it may be possible to spread the hours out over a greater number of weeks of the year by reducing the number of hours taken per week. Again, speak with your specific childcare provider to see if that option is available if it’s of interest.

Summary:

Available NowAvailable From Sept ’25
Eligible* children 9 months – 3 years570 hours (usually 15 per week)1140 hours (usually 30 per week)
All children 3-4 living in England (‘Universal Entitlement’)570 hours (usually 15 per week)570 hours (usually 15 per week)
Eligible* children 3 to 4 years1140 hours (usually 30 per week)1140 hours (usually 30 per week)

* Subject to eligibility criteria outlined below. Additional charges may apply (e.g. for food/nappies – ask your provider if these cost extra).

Note that some 2 and 3-year-olds are also eligible for 570 hours of childcare funding under a different scheme where they fall into certain ‘additional needs’ categories or their parents receive qualifying government benefits. Today’s guide, however, focuses primarily on the more widely available scheme for eligible working families.

*Eligibility Criteria for Working Families

The free childcare scheme for children aged from 9 months to 4 years (inclusive) applies to children of eligible working families. But what constitutes an eligible working family? The following rough guide explains:

As a rough guide, to be eligible, both you and your partner (if you have one):

  • Families need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the free childcare hours.Must not have an adjusted net income above £100k in the current tax year;
  • Must each expect to earn at least the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 or more hours on average per week, over the next 3 months;
    – for those aged 21 or over, this currently equates to £183 per week and £2,380 over 3 months;
    – for those aged 18-20, it currently equates to £137 per week and £1,788 over 3 months;
    – for those either under 18 or in an apprenticeship, it currently equates to £102 per week and £1,331 over 3 months;
    Figures are before tax and are correct at the time of writing (September 2024)
  • Must have a National Insurance number;
  • Must be applying, of course, for a child of the appropriate age for the scheme.

There are additional rules around specific scenarios, for example, for foster carers, those starting a new job, those whose earnings do not form a regular pattern, the self-employed, and those receiving one or more government benefits. Immigration status is also a factor. Learn more about the eligibility rules here.

“Some children from working families can now receive free childcare from just 9 months old until they begin school.”

Get Started!

Learn more about when and how to apply and when you can start using the free childcare hours here. Staff at Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, are also happy to discuss the childcare needs of local parents, including the various funding options available to those who are eligible.

High-Quality Childcare Services in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Central Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyAn outstanding childcare providerLittle Acorns is a wonderful childcare nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancashire. We provide a high-quality childcare and ‘early years’ education service for babies and children aged up to five, giving them the very best start in a home-from-home environment. As well as being perfectly located for local families in Clayton-le-Woods, we may also suit families living nearby in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

Register your child for a nursery place today, arrange a guided tour, or ask us any questions — we’ll be happy to help:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288
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Let’s Get to Know Butterflies – An Educational Nature Activity for Kids

Let's Get to Know Butterflies – An Educational Nature Activity for Kids (with Free Poster!)

With the UK’s Big Butterfly Count happening from roughly the second half of July right through to early August, we thought now was an excellent time to release our free butterfly poster for families to download. This is designed to encourage children and families to get outdoors to see how many of the UK’s most commonly seen butterflies they can see and identify. Our identification poster features 36 of the 59 butterfly species found in Britain (we have excluded butterflies that families are unlikely to see as some are quite rare or limited to small areas of the nation). That’s a much more comprehensive number of butterfly species than surveyed in the Big Butterfly Count (just 19 types of butterfly and 2 daytime-flying moths are included in that survey this year). We therefore wholeheartedly encourage children and families to download our free butterfly poster today, so they can get started on getting to know British butterflies. It’s educational as well as being a wonderful way to get children outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and all the profound benefits that nature will bring them.

Download the Free Poster

Click the poster preview below to either view or save the poster file. (Whether you need to left-click or right-click depends upon which web browser you use and its specific settings, so perhaps try both to get your desired outcome). The poster can then be printed out as large as A3, in full colour and fine detail. Choose your best paper and finest settings for the best results.

Download your free British butterfly identification poster (click to download or view).

The free poster is in Acrobat Reader (PDF) format. If you do not already have that application on your device, it is available free, here.

Children’s Interest in Nature is Crucially Important

Nature teaches children so much and is hugely important to them — in so many ways. When children spend time in and around nature, benefits include improved attention and engagement during lessons, reduced stress, better social skills, stimulated imaginations and creativity, improved well-being, better sleep, improved academic performance — to be honest, the list of benefits goes on and on! Click the bold link for more details because nature is a real powerhouse for children.

Teaching children to become interested in flora, fauna and the natural environment has never been more important. Because of problems like climate change, habitat loss, and nasty chemicals being used in gardening and farming, many creatures like butterflies, birds, and others, are severely under threat. The Big Butterfly Count takes place in July and early August each year, when most butterflies have reached adulthood.For many species, population numbers have plummeted over recent decades. Introducing your child to today’s butterfly spotting activity and the annual Big Butterfly Count are therefore very simple ways to get them interested in nature and the importance of looking after the natural environment. They are also more likely to go on to have more sustainable lifestyles when they spend time in and around nature during early childhood. That’s crucially important because today’s children will become tomorrow’s guardians of our beautiful planet — and it will need to be looked after well.

More free nature-based posters for children to download.

More Free Nature-Themed Activity Posters to Download

Other free nature-based posters that children/families can download free from this website include birds, mammals, minibeasts, and an autumn nature hunt. As well as getting children outdoors to benefit from nature, these activity posters are all educational, hugely worthwhile — and great fun!

Little Acorns Nursery – the Natural Choice

Outstanding Childcare in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

An outstanding childcare provider

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery is an outstanding provider of childcare and early years education. As well as incredible facilities indoors and a self-contained preschool block, we have no less than two gardens outside where children can explore, learn from, and enjoy nature. And, of course, we support many of the Government’s free childcare schemes, making it more affordable for eligible families.

Get in touch with Little Acorns Nursery today to register your child for a place, express an interest, arrange a visit, or ask any questions — we’ll be delighted to help:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns Nursery is located in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, and is also conveniently close by for families in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

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