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Nursery at Parochial CofE Primary and Nursery School, Ashton-under-Lyne
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, rhymes and a dedicated outdoor space give Parochial’s nursery its character: early learning combines time with adults and room for children’s own ideas. This is the nursery within Parochial CofE Primary and Nursery School in Ashton-under-Lyne, welcoming children from the term after their third birthday. It runs during term time.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Adult-guided activities sit alongside play chosen by children. Story sessions, introductory phonics and number work provide focused learning; construction and pretend play give children opportunities to develop their own ideas. Singing, dance and art add other ways to express themselves. For parents, this makes the early years foundation stage (EYFS) tangible: learning involves language, movement, friendships and creative activity, alongside the beginnings of reading and mathematics.
Reading starts with enjoyment. In June 2023, nursery children heard stories and sang rhymes daily, while school reading ambassadors read with early years children each week. These encounters give younger children contact with older pupils as well as adults. Read Write Inc. Phonics is the school’s reading programme; the nursery day includes early phonics activities.
Outside, children have a dedicated space for exploration and active play. Early years physical learning includes practising balance and coordination, with activities such as catching, throwing and kicking. This gives movement a place alongside quieter learning. Art in early years also involves experimenting with materials, allowing children to explore how they can make and create.
By June 2023, early years children were settling promptly and becoming familiar with daily routines. The nursery works with families to help children settle, and Class Dojo carries classroom updates and messages home. September Meet the Teacher workshops introduce families to the platform, giving parents a practical way to follow learning and communicate with staff.
Lunch can be a school dinner or a packed meal brought from home. Children under five qualify for free school milk, with registration through Cool Milk. Families therefore have a choice over lunch while milk has its own registration process.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school uses an Assess – Plan – Do – Review cycle. Termly meetings involve parents in reviewing support and agreeing new targets; One Page Profiles help organise those discussions. Personalised plans for starting Nursery may include extra visits and professional support. The school building has accessible toilets, wide doorways and a lift, useful physical provisions for families with access needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline; registering nursery interest is a different step.
The nursery aims to make the move into Reception easier through close links with the main school. Personalised SEND transition support can include additional visits and meetings. These arrangements concern preparing children for change and should be considered separately from securing a place.
The term-time nursery day runs from 8.55am to 2.55pm, with registration beginning at 9am. Morning-only attendance finishes at 11.55am. A charged extension allows children to remain until 3.20pm, while Breakfast Club and After School Club are also open to nursery children. These options give families ways to extend care around the nursery day.
Funding options include 15-hour places and, subject to eligibility, 30-hour places. Families can purchase additional sessions beyond their funded hours. School dinners and the extended finish carry charges; contact the school for current charges.
Arrange a visit or request a nursery application form through the office at admin@par.fa1.uk or 0161 343 6070. Branded uniform is optional, and families can use unbranded clothing from other retailers. A rail of pre-loved uniform at the main office entrance offers another practical option.
Children are welcomed from the term after their third birthday.
The term-time day runs from 8.55am to 2.55pm. Morning-only attendance ends at 11.55am, and a charged extension runs until 3.20pm. Nursery children can also access Breakfast Club and After School Club.
There are 15-hour funded places and 30-hour funded places subject to eligibility. Self-funded sessions can extend attendance beyond the funded entitlement.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
Yes. School dinners are available for a charge, or children may bring a packed lunch. Children under five qualify for free milk, with registration through Cool Milk.
