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Nursery at Canon Johnson 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning alongside older early-years children gives Canon Johnson’s nursery its defining character. Nursery and Reception share an EYFS unit, so children’s first experience of school includes play with both age groups. Children can join in the term following their third birthday. The nursery belongs to Canon Johnson CofE Primary School on Elgin Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, a Church of England school.
At the Ofsted inspection on 24 and 25 May 2023, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Child-chosen play and activities guided by adults both shape the day. Children can play alone or with friends, while staff join their chosen activities and use conversation and questions to extend their thinking. This gives children room to follow an interest, with teaching woven into the experience.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework across seven learning areas. In practice, play and exploration sit alongside work on language and early number understanding. In May 2023, children participated eagerly in planned activities and used both outdoor and indoor learning spaces. The Foundation Stage Unit includes a play area designated for the youngest children, giving outdoor activity its own place in their learning.
Reading begins with listening and speaking. Shared stories, conversations about books and singing help children pay attention to sounds and build the language they will need for reading. Read, Write Inc is the school’s phonics programme; nursery children encounter initial sounds through brief sessions when appropriate. The qualification matters: this is an introduction suited to the child, rather than a promise that every nursery child follows the same reading timetable.
Early maths introduces number alongside shape, measurement and space. During May 2023, teaching in early years supported children’s vocabulary, speech and grasp of numbers through carefully planned approaches. Nursery children also took local visits to extend their learning beyond school.
EYFS teachers work with support staff, with a pastoral lead and a SENCO within the wider school team. For concerns about learning or development, the class teacher is the first contact; the SENCO coordinates additional help and advice from other professionals. Families receiving SEND support take part in termly reviews, so parents can contribute to targets and the next steps in their child’s support.
Personalised transition arrangements for children with SEND can include visits at home, extra school visits or contact with a child’s previous nursery. These are tailored to individual needs. Across the school, a sensory room and calm corners provide spaces for emotional support.
Toileting accidents are anticipated: families should pack spare underwear and clothes so staff can help children change. For children taking a full-time place, Dolce can supply an optional paid lunch, with payment through School Grid. Arbor is used to contact parents and carers, alongside a weekly email update to families.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Tameside’s school admissions service and meet the normal application deadline.
The shared EYFS unit means nursery children already learn alongside Reception children. That provides familiarity with the early-years setting; it must be kept separate from the allocation of a school place.
The 30-hour offer runs Monday to Friday, from 8.40am to 3.15pm. All three- and four-year-olds have a 15-hour nursery education entitlement. Eligible families apply for a 30-hour code through their childcare service account, bring it to nursery, and receive a place subject to availability.
Families whose child does not qualify for funded 30-hour provision can pay for afternoons to take a full-time place, using Arbor for payments. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery applications are handled by the school; general enquiries go to the office on 0161 330 3169 or admin@canonjohnson.co.uk.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. Nursery admissions are handled by the school.
The offer runs from 8.40am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday. Eligible families need to supply their childcare code, and places depend on availability.
No. You must apply separately through Tameside’s school admissions service by the normal application deadline.
Children build speaking and listening skills through stories, songs and book discussions. Initial phonics sounds are introduced in brief sessions when appropriate, using Read, Write Inc.
Children attending full time can have an optional paid lunch supplied by Dolce. Payments are made through School Grid; contact the school for current charges.
