Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School Nursery

Acorn Class gives preschool children a shared base with Reception, with conversation, independence and learning through play shaping the experience. Emmanuel Holcombe's preschool intake is 13, combining full-time and part-time places. This is the school's own nursery provision, with its youngest children learning within a mixed early-years class rather than a separate preschool class.

At the inspection on 26 and 27 March 2024, Ofsted graded early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play provides the main structure for learning in Acorn. Children use both the classroom and outdoor provision for practical exploration and activities with several possible outcomes. The early years foundation stage (EYFS) approach here gives attention to learning to communicate, managing feelings, forming relationships and becoming more independent. These are useful foundations for joining in, expressing needs and tackling activities with other children.

The classroom includes spaces arranged to encourage children to talk and play together. Outdoor learning also has a regular place in the class's approach: staff aim to spend as much time outside as possible and emphasise connections with nature. Children therefore have indoor and outdoor settings for their hands-on learning.

Alongside this play, Acorn includes literacy teaching, maths and phonics. Preschool children have their own groups for maths and phonics, separate from Reception groups. Sharing a class does not mean sharing every taught activity. Stories, rhymes and songs also matter: in March 2024, nursery children responded eagerly when adults shared these with them, giving early reading a place in the day before children can read independently.

Personal and emotional development receives explicit attention in Acorn, alongside communication and independence. The class approach gives these skills space within learning, rather than treating them only as preparation for formal lessons. Playing together in spaces designed for conversation gives children opportunities to practise those social skills.

For additional needs, the school's support structure includes an Assistant Head for Inclusion who also holds the SENCO role. Emmanuel Holcombe's Graduated Response sets out its whole-school approach to additional needs. Families also have BURY2GETHER information and links to Bury Council's Local Offer, providing routes to support beyond the class team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The school's admissions page gives preschool children priority for Reception, but explicitly requires families to submit a separate application even when their child already attends preschool.

For the 2026 intake, the school's published guidance directed families to their local council's online portal via the Bury Council admissions website. Confirm the route and deadline for your child's intake, and treat the Reception application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance. Acorn's shared class provides continuity of setting between preschool and Reception; it does not replace the admissions process or make the eventual allocation certain.

Full-time and part-time preschool places are advertised as fully funded. Preschool applications are handled by the school office, separately from Reception applications.

Individual school tours can be booked throughout the year. Contact the office on 01706 823498 or email EmmanuelHolcombe@bury.gov.uk to arrange a visit or enquire about a preschool place. A tour offers families an opportunity to see Acorn's shared classroom and discuss joining the provision.