Tonge Moor Primary Academy Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and learning to play together give Tonge Moor’s nursery its clearest character. This is the nursery class within Tonge Moor Primary Academy, on Brierwood in Bolton. Early years provision was judged Good at the Ofsted inspection on 24 and 25 January 2023; that judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

In January 2023, provision also included two-year-olds. Their curriculum was carefully designed, giving younger children a planned starting point for learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) structures learning here. In practical terms, planning takes account of what interests each child, what they need and what they are ready to learn next. That gives individual development a role in deciding activities, rather than treating every child’s next step as identical.

Early reading starts with the ear. In January 2023, nursery children used songs and rhymes to become familiar with the first sounds needed for reading. Learning sounds through familiar words gives these activities a purpose beyond singing together. The early years curriculum also specified the knowledge and skills children should develop.

Playing alongside other children matters too. In January 2023, children were learning to cooperate in play and understand suitable friendships. Early years children could concentrate on learning without disruption. These are useful foundations for taking part in a group, as well as for later classroom learning.

An assistant head oversees EYFS, with EYFS teaching assistants within the team. The wider school also has an assistant headteacher for inclusion and special needs support roles. This places early learning and additional needs within the school’s staffing structure.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) includes assessment of a child’s circumstances and needs at an early stage. Speech and language assessment can involve a qualified therapist, with health professionals already involved consulted on entry. For families concerned about communication, this provides a concrete route into identifying support.

The SENCO coordinates information about individual needs, seeks help from outside agencies and organises reviews. Class teachers involve parents in planning and consultation, while teaching assistants help children work towards their targets and report on the effect of interventions. These responsibilities connect assessment, classroom support and family involvement.

Reception admission is separate. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal route and meet the applicable deadline. Applications go through the Citizen Portal and are considered subject to places being available. Keep that application distinct from registering interest in nursery.

A Nursery Registration of Interest Form provides the nursery enquiry starting point. To arrange a school visit, call 01204 328994 or email office@tongemooracademy.org. Autumn-term open days are also part of the school’s visiting arrangements, giving families an opportunity to look around before applying.

For learning at home, families can use story resources including The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Green Eggs and Ham. Reading support also includes help with letter pronunciation and Fred Fingers. These provide concrete ways to share stories and support early reading beyond nursery activities.