Ashton West End Primary Academy Nursery Review

Picture books come before formal phonics here. Nursery children spend autumn and spring sharing books and talking about them, with Read Write Inc. introduced from summer onwards. That gives the nursery day a clear emphasis on language before children move into learning letter sounds.

Ashton West End Primary Academy has a 52-place nursery for children aged three and four, within the school on William Street, Ashton-under-Lyne. For 2026-2027, families can take 15-hour or 30-hour provision across 38 term-time weeks. The school typically aims to admit children in the September preceding their Reception year; younger three-year-olds may join from the term after their birthday when space allows.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children's personal development. Here, staff observe children during activities, including how they are adjusting socially and emotionally, and use those observations to plan their next learning. Talking, early maths and physical activity sit alongside books rather than being treated as separate priorities.

The autumn 2023-2024 nursery timetable gives a concrete example of that mix: outdoor activity, phonics groups, PE, drawing with teachers and snack breaks. Squiggle Whilst you Wiggle also featured, alongside a Story makers Zoom session with Tameside Library. These examples show how movement, conversation and stories can share a session, with time for children to use the learning provision between organised activities.

Reading starts with discussion, rather than simply recognising letters. In July 2023, Ofsted found that the early years team's selection and sharing of stories helped children develop language and communication. Read Write Inc. then provides the named phonics approach as nursery children progress into the summer.

Settling begins at home: EYFS staff visit every child starting nursery, meeting them in familiar surroundings and learning about them before their first day. Families are also encouraged to tour the school before joining. This gives staff and parents an opportunity to exchange information before the nursery routine begins.

An Early Years SENDCo works alongside the school's SENDCo and assistant SENDCo. WellComm Language Screening is among the tools used to identify additional needs, while parents are involved in reviewing support at least once a term. For a child needing help with communication, this creates a route from initial concerns to planned support and review.

The early years calm corner contains emotion cards from Zones of Regulation and calming items. Adults model behaviour and help children regulate their feelings before discussing what to do next. Parents are informed if difficulties persist.

Fresh fruit is provided daily for Foundation Stage children. The school kitchen also caters for allergy-specific and dairy-free diets, with Halal food on the menu. Families have termly opportunities to discuss progress with the class teacher, and can raise concerns between those meetings.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority process. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the Reception criteria for 2027-2028.

For September 2027 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2027. Tameside residents apply through Tameside Local Authority; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. Keep this application separate from nursery paperwork.

Transition support is a different matter. Children have sessions to meet their next teacher and classroom, while staff exchange information about their needs. Where extra preparation is needed, the school can arrange additional visits or visual transition booklets. Familiarity supports the move; it does not change admission rights.

The nursery operates during term time. The universal entitlement provides 15 funded hours from the term following a child's third birthday; eligible families can access a further 15 hours. For extended funding, parents must renew their eligibility every three months and give the school their code. Failure to do so may lead to withdrawal of the nursery place.

Families who do not qualify for extended funding can pay for the additional 15 hours if space permits. Contact the school for current charges. Paid additional hours are invoiced through School Comms in advance each term, normally with weekly instalments. Absence does not reduce the charge, and cancelling a paid place requires half a term's notice.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 0161 330 4234 or admin@awepa.org.uk. An office application form places a child on the waiting list, with allocation governed by admission criteria. Once a place is offered, families attend to complete paperwork and provide a birth certificate, address evidence and, where applicable, extended-funding eligibility evidence.