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Nursery at Canon Burrows CofE Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Questions about journeys, imagination and what makes each child special give this nursery its character. At Canon Burrows CofE Primary School in Ashton-under-Lyne, play connects with half-term themes that children can relate to themselves and the world around them. This is the school’s own nursery, within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with teachers and teaching assistants working under an early years lead.
Children normally join in September following their third birthday. When spaces remain later in the year, entry can be in the term following that birthday. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 20 and 21 September 2023; that judgement covers early years within the school.
Play shapes the learning, indoors and outside. Adults arrange activities, while children also choose how to explore; plans can change to follow their interests and ideas. That gives children a part in deciding what happens next, alongside adult guidance.
The EYFS curriculum brings together language, movement and emotional development with reading and writing, number work, discovering the world and creative expression. Development Matters supports the approach. For parents, the emphasis is broader than early academic skills: learning to communicate and build relationships belongs alongside mathematics and literacy.
Half-term themes include journeys, imagination and caring for our bodies. The spring topic about life in God’s world also gives the curriculum a Christian reference point. At home, families are asked to read to their child daily. A nursery rhyme goes onto Google Classrooms each week for families to sing together, giving them a specific way to join in with learning.
There is a qualification to the learning picture. In September 2023, children in early years showed enthusiasm and positive learning attitudes, but some important knowledge needed clearer teaching so that it would stick. Checks also needed to detect forgotten learning more accurately. Enjoyment and remembering the learning are separate considerations here.
Communication has a direct route: parents can speak with the nursery teacher at the door or email the school. Class newsletters provide another connection with nursery life. At the September 2023 inspection, early years workshops on mathematics and phonics helped families understand teaching methods and support learning at home.
Additional needs receive attention from the start of early years. In September 2023, identification arrangements and the resulting support were effective, with children with SEND able to follow the curriculum alongside their peers. For families, this makes early discussion of a child’s needs a useful part of getting started.
Emotional learning has a named approach, too. Through Zones of Regulation, early years children learn to recognise emotions. This gives feelings a place in learning as well as conversations about behaviour.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Tameside’s normal primary admissions route. For September 2027 entry, applications open on 1 November 2026 and close on 15 January 2027. If applications exceed places, the school applies its admission criteria. Plan for that deadline independently of the nursery application.
Preparation for starting school is a separate matter. Families are invited to spend time in the Foundation Stage during the preceding term, and a staff member may make a home visit. Early years staff discuss children’s needs with parents and how to help them adjust to school routines.
From September 2026, the nursery offers a government-funded 30-hour option and 15-hour mornings. Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am. Families can also add charged afternoon sessions to mornings, either on selected afternoons or to make a 30-hour place. Refer to the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go directly to the school. Enquiries and school-tour bookings can be made through the office on 0161 330 4755 or admin@canonburrows.co.uk. Morning collection is at the blue picket fence in the front playground, a concrete meeting point for carers. Nursery children wear school uniform, supplied by Top Marks in Ashton.
Normally in September after their third birthday. If places remain later in the year, children may start in the term after turning three.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, with collection at the blue picket fence in the front playground.
Yes. From September 2026, options include government-funded 30-hour childcare and charged afternoon additions to 15-hour mornings, including selected afternoons.
No. Apply separately through Tameside’s primary admissions route. The closing date for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Read to your child daily and sing the weekly nursery rhyme shared through Google Classrooms. At the September 2023 inspection, early years workshops covered mathematics and phonics.
