My Time Nursery & Creche

A wooden slide, climbing apparatus and a reading corner give My Time Nursery & Creche a recognisable character: an open-plan setting where physical play and quieter activities share the same space. Based at 168 Manchester Road, Manchester, M16 0DZ, it has capacity for 22 children. That is a whole-setting figure, rather than a promise about the number attending any particular session.

At its 4 October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) strong. The practical appeal is flexible childcare, with short bookings and full days offered without a fixed contract. Funded childcare is also part of the offer, including provision for eligible children from nine months.

Learning and Activities

The EYFS framework shapes the curriculum, bringing together learning and development through play across its seven areas. Children can choose from resources in the creche room and explore activities at their own pace. For parents, that means the educational framework sits within a day of play and discovery, rather than a sequence of formal lessons.

In October 2024, language learning ran through everyday exchanges. Practitioners expanded children's vocabulary through conversation and read stories daily. Younger children practised making marks in a sensory tray while developing the strength in their hands; older children explored pencil grip and, when interested and ready, letter formation. The progression matters: early writing began with physical skills and curiosity, rather than expecting every child to produce letters.

Mathematical ideas also emerged through play in October 2024. Singing introduced counting in both directions, while rolling balls prompted conversations about size. These were concrete encounters with number and comparison, giving children something to do and discuss alongside the words.

Outdoor and Community Life

Climbing apparatus and the Wooden Slide provide physical challenges, while the Reading Corner creates an alternative for children drawn to books. The setting also has a renovated outdoor area and an Outdoor Mini Kitchen. These features give the space several different uses, from movement to pretend play, rather than relying on one kind of activity.

In October 2024, babies practised pulling up and climbing using equipment suited to their height, while older children worked on balance and persistence. Staff supported exploration rather than doing the task for them. Learning about Eid, Diwali and Easter also introduced children to different celebrations and ways of life. These examples placed physical confidence and understanding other people alongside language and number work.

Relationships and Communication

In October 2024, key people understood the learning needs of the children assigned to them. Observation helped staff plan both individual activities and group experiences. Parents received information about learning and practical ideas for continuing it at home, connecting nursery activities with familiar family routines.

Everyday independence was another strand of care in October 2024. Older children practised putting away their outdoor clothing, very young children fed themselves, and tidying formed part of changes in the daily routine. These small tasks gave children opportunities to take responsibility at a level they could manage.

Staff also helped children work through the social demands of shared play. In October 2024, they listened to requests, checked their understanding and offered another activity when a child was waiting to use a play dough cutter. The emphasis was on helping children manage a situation, rather than simply telling them to wait.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

For SEND support in October 2024, staff gathered observations when a concern first arose and used them in discussions with outside agencies. Additional provision could then be sought where needed. This gives parents a concrete picture of the support mechanism: observations led to collaboration and action.

Two development points temper the positive inspection position. In October 2024, staff development discussions needed sharper individual teaching targets, and information about each child's next learning steps was not consistently passed between practitioners. A key person's knowledge therefore did not always translate into equally precise support from everyone working with that child.

Sessions and Attendance

Flexible hours and full-day bookings are both offered. Parents can book from one hour upwards, choosing childcare as needed rather than committing to a fixed attendance contract. This can suit an appointment or a changing work pattern as well as a longer day.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm in term time, reducing to 9am to 3pm during holidays. The shorter holiday window matters for families whose working day stays the same throughout the year. These are opening hours, rather than fixed morning or afternoon sessions.

New families must complete registration and take a tour before accessing the online booking system. Children who have attended before can be booked through that system directly. Enquiries can be made by telephone on 0161 881 5932 or through the contact page.

Funding and Paid Extras

The nursery works with Manchester City Council to provide funded childcare and offers 15-hour funded sessions for eligible families. Tax-Free Childcare payments are accepted for paid care. Funding and flexible private bookings are separate elements of the offer; eligibility for one should not be read as a promise of any particular attendance arrangement.

• Holiday working hours. The holiday closing time is 3pm, compared with 5.30pm in term time. Families needing care into the late afternoon should weigh this difference against their year-round routine.
• First-use planning. Registration and a tour are required before a new family can use online booking. Complete those steps ahead of the occasion when flexible childcare will be needed, and use the tour to discuss how a first short booking will work for your child.
• Consistency between practitioners. The October 2024 development points concerned individual teaching targets and the sharing of children's next learning steps. During a visit, ask how that information now reaches everyone supporting a child across different bookings.

My Time suits families choosing Flexible Childcare bookings from one hour upwards or full days, with an open-plan space that combines climbing, reading and pretend play. Its October 2024 inspection provides a positive quality judgement backed by concrete examples of conversation, independence and early learning. The important qualifications are equally specific: shorter holiday opening hours and development work around staff targets and shared learning information. For a family whose timetable fits those hours, the contract-free model is the strongest practical reason to consider it.