Appletree Nursery School
About Appletree Nursery School
Appletree Nursery School, a state nursery in Lancaster for children aged two to four, stands out in Lancashire for its strong Ofsted record, though its most recent inspection saw a shift from the exceptional to the very good. Of the 24 nursery schools in the local authority, only eight hold an Outstanding rating, a category Appletree itself occupied in its 2012 inspection. However, in its graded inspection of May 2024, the school was rated Good overall, with Good marks across all assessed areas including quality of education, personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management. This means that while it no longer sits in the top tier of Lancashire nurseries, it remains comfortably above the baseline, offering a solid, well-regarded early years provision. For parents comparing options, this is a school that has demonstrably maintained high standards over time, even if its headline rating has recently been adjusted.
Key Details
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 May 2024Source: Ofsted, 30 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
4Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Appletree Nursery School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
School Open Days Calendar 2026/27
When open days happen and what to look for