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Nursery at Pikemere School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily stories give Pikemere's pre-school a clear starting point: books shape activities as well as story time. This is the school's Foundation Stage 1 provision in Alsager, within a school whose age range starts at three. For families, the distinction matters: the nursery has its own admissions process, while belonging to the wider school community.
Pikemere describes itself as a No Outsiders School and aims for children to feel included and valued. Its school-wide support arrangements include adapting teaching to children's needs and involving parents in decisions about additional help.
Books do more than fill a quiet moment. Pre-school children hear stories daily, and activities are planned around a chosen text, connecting what adults read aloud with what children explore. Reading therefore has a place in the day before formal school entry.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) reading curriculum sits alongside Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. Speech, listening and vocabulary are priorities in the school's English approach, giving parents a useful picture of the language skills that learning is designed to develop.
Across the school, staff can teach or demonstrate play skills to children who need help building friendships. Teaching can also use visual cues or smaller groups where a child needs a different way to engage. These are individual support options rather than a fixed programme for every child.
The class teacher is the school's first contact for learning and everyday wellbeing. A separate key worker may also support some children with greater needs, giving their family an additional point of contact. The special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCO) holds the National Award for SEN Coordination and has protected time each week for that role.
Parents help shape School Support Plans, which are discussed at least once a term. Speech and language therapists or other specialists may contribute where needs are complex. This gives families a role in agreeing support and reviewing how it is working.
Personal care is planned with families, with school nurse advice where appropriate. Children who use nappies or continence pads need their own supplies and spare clothing. Care arrangements take account of privacy, while encouraging children to communicate their toileting needs and do what they can independently.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2027; Cheshire East handles the route for its residents. Treat that application as a separate step in your child's move to school.
Transition support has a different purpose: helping children become familiar with their next setting. New EYFS pupils have transition visits. For children with SEND, arrangements may include extra visits, photographs in a transition pack or staff visiting their current setting. These measures depend on the individual child's needs and do not secure admission.
The school office handles enquiries at admin@pikemere.cheshire.sch.uk or 01270 874237, and can arrange an informal school tour. Families of children with SEND are encouraged to arrange a separate discussion and visit with the SENDCO so that their child's needs can be considered before entry.
At collection, early years teachers hand children directly to familiar parents or carers. Disabled access vehicle parking is available in the school car park at the beginning and end of the school day, or by arrangement. These are useful practical details for families planning handovers and access.
No. Families must apply separately through their home local authority. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Pre-school has daily story time, with activities planned around a chosen text. The early years reading curriculum sits alongside Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised.
Start with your child's class teacher. The SENDCO can also discuss special educational needs and disabilities, and parents help plan and review additional support.
Personal care arrangements are agreed with families, with school nurse advice where appropriate. Parents provide nappies or continence pads when needed, plus spare clothing.
Contact the school office at admin@pikemere.cheshire.sch.uk or 01270 874237 to arrange an informal school tour. Families of children with SEND are encouraged to arrange a separate visit with the SENDCO.
