Sunning Hill Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and conversation give Sunning Hill’s nursery its character. At the October 2024 Ofsted inspection, the school’s early years provision received an Outstanding judgement, with language development a clear strength. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

For children aged two to four, this is the school’s own nursery on Goldsmith Street in Bolton, offering full-time and part-time provision. The setting occupies a Victorian school site with play spaces developed for children and a separate site used for outdoor and eco activities.

Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework: adults consider each child’s development, observe their play and plan activities that extend it. In parent terms, pretending, talking and exploring are part of learning. Indoor play and outdoor experiences both feature, with outdoor learning continuing across different weather conditions. Suitable clothing matters.

Language work has a clear sequence. Children begin with Language Through Listening before moving to Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Foundations for Phonics. This gives listening and communication a place before more formal reading work. In October 2024, early years staff were skilled at spotting language difficulties and choosing activities to address them; children made exceptional progress from different starting points.

The 2025-26 plan for three-year-olds brought that approach to life through books including Dinosaur Roar and Superworm. Children explored stories through drawing, making marks and arranging events in order. Mathematics included sorting and comparing, alongside work on numbers and shapes. Role play included a Home Corner, while creative activities involved building models and experimenting with materials.

For two-year-olds, the 2025-26 plan included Maisy books and number rhymes, with movement, pretend play and exploration of materials. Tooth brushing also featured. These are everyday experiences through which younger children practise communication, movement and self-care.

Starting nursery is gradual. Children initially attend reduced hours for two to four days, with the length depending on their nursery group; a slower build-up can be agreed individually. Families receive a Welcome Pack, complete an All About Me booklet with their child and are invited to a Stay and Play session. With parental consent, staff arrange a home visit for children new to Sunning Hill. This gives families time to discuss development and any support already involved.

Parents learn who their child’s Key Worker is within a fortnight. Daily family time in the two-year-olds’ room lets parents stay while their child settles; the three-year-olds’ group has Stay and Play twice a week. Tapestry shares nursery learning with families, giving parents a connection to activities beyond the session itself.

Additional needs are monitored from nursery entry. The school’s SEND approach uses One Page Profiles with termly reviews involving families. Physical access. The school building has several levels and steps to the dining hall, although the two-year-olds’ nursery has an accessible toilet. Families with mobility needs should consider those features when visiting.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through the normal admissions process: Bolton residents use the council’s citizen portal, while families living elsewhere apply through their own local authority. Treat this as a separate decision from choosing nursery.

Once a Reception place is accepted, families receive transition information and invitations to meet staff and try the new classroom. For children with SEND already attending the nursery, staff arrange repeated visits to the Reception environment. Familiarity supports the change of room and adults; it does not determine admission.

Morning nursery sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am. Afternoon sessions are 12:15pm to 3:30pm on Monday to Thursday, changing to 12:30pm to 2:30pm on Friday. That Friday difference matters when arranging collection.

Nursery applications can be downloaded or collected from the office. Entry from age two is subject to eligibility, and the nursery admissions policy explains which places are free and which depend on eligibility criteria. Families can arrange a visit by calling 01204 333588. The nursery Welcome Pack includes collection permissions and an intimate-care agreement, so those arrangements form part of preparation for starting.