Stamford Park Primary School Nursery

A 26-place class with access to specialist PE teaching and a music teacher gives Stamford Park’s nursery a place in wider school life from the start. Children join in September following their third birthday. Whole-school theme days add shared experiences beyond the nursery class.

This is the nursery at Stamford Park Primary School on Cedar Road in Hale. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 10 and 11 April 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Songs, rhymes and conversation give early learning a clear language focus. In April 2024, children in the early years were developing vocabulary together with their knowledge of phonics. For parents, this gives a concrete picture of the early years foundation stage here: learning words and sounds sits alongside learning how to take turns and treat others politely.

Specialist PE staff and the music teacher work with nursery children, while school theme days broaden their experiences. Planning also responds to the children themselves. The nursery curriculum overview is reconsidered each term around their needs and interests, allowing the content to change with the group.

Outdoor play is part of the practical preparation for nursery: families supply suitable shoes, a weather-appropriate coat and wellies that stay there. Across the school, OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) uses loose parts and natural materials for play led by children. These give children things to explore and use in their own ways.

A team of adults supports nursery learning, and communication extends beyond the classroom. Class Dojo carries photographs and updates about nursery activities, together with suggestions for supporting learning at home. Specific questions can go to nursery@spprimary.org.uk; concerns can also lead to an arranged discussion with staff.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND approach combines identifying difficulties early with classroom teaching and interventions. Parents can contact the SENCO at senco@spprimary.org.uk. This provides a direct route for discussing a child’s needs.

School catering is provided by Mellors Catering Services alongside the on-site team. Its menu changes over a three-week cycle and includes vegetarian choices. Nursery children bring a labelled bottle containing water and a spare uniform kept in nursery, making drinks and changes of clothing part of families’ everyday preparation.

Separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception process: Trafford Council handles admissions other than nursery. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions, and complete the Reception application by the normal deadline.

Participation in school theme days gives nursery children shared school experiences. It should be understood as part of their nursery education, rather than an admissions advantage.

Breakfast Club accepts nursery children and opens at 7.30am each morning. School staff run it in the hall, with breakfast, indoor activities and a sports activity. This offers an earlier start for families using the club.

For nursery enquiries and open mornings, contact childcare@spprimary.org.uk. The Nursery Admissions and Charging Policy is accessible through the admissions page; refer to the school for current charges.

Uniform uses a red polo and navy sweatshirt bearing the nursery logo, with plain navy shorts, leggings or joggers. Footwear should be blue or black and suitable for outdoor play. Label clothing and equipment, including the coat, water bottle and spare uniform. Open-toed sandals are unsuitable.