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Nursery at Unsworth 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Cornerstones Curriculum gives Unsworth’s preschool a named approach alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The emphasis is on understanding themselves, other people and the wider world, which the nursery describes as its curriculum’s purpose. This is the nursery provision within Unsworth Primary School, on Blackley Close in Bury, with classroom spaces used by preschool children each day.
Seven learning areas shape the curriculum. In parent terms, these cover talking and listening, relationships and emotions, movement, early reading and writing, number, discovering the world and creative expression. Communication, personal development and physical development form the three prime areas; the other four sit alongside them. That gives the nursery day a broader purpose than preparation for reading alone.
Cornerstones Curriculum supplements the EYFS framework. The nursery aims to help children understand both their own lives and the community around them, connecting personal development with learning about others.
In March 2023, Ofsted found that children across the school’s early years developed their knowledge of phonics quickly. There was also a curriculum concern affecting early years: in a few subjects, the intended learning and its sequence needed greater clarity, making it harder for teachers to build consistently on previous learning. A few subject leaders also needed more expertise to help teachers teach confidently and accurately check pupils’ learning in those subjects. For parents, that places the positive early reading finding alongside a specific limitation in curriculum planning.
Children in early years settled promptly into school routines in March 2023. That is useful evidence about adjustment to the school day, rather than a promise about how any individual child will settle.
For concerns about learning or development, parents can contact the school’s special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) at SENCO@unsworth.oaklp.co.uk. This gives families a direct route to advice and support. The school also provides regular safeguarding training and updates for staff, and participates in Operation Encompass, through which police notify the school before the next day following a domestic abuse incident that may affect a child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route. Bury Council allocates school places on behalf of Oak Learning Partnership; residents outside Bury apply through their home authority.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. Transition support is separate from allocation: the school’s arrangements include a half-day Reception session and play sessions in the term before starting school, alongside visits by the Reception teacher to a child’s preschool setting. These provide opportunities to become familiar with the next stage.
Preschool children wear uniform: a navy jumper bearing the school emblem and a white polo shirt, with grey trousers or a skirt; plain black joggers are permitted too. Black shoes or trainers must have Velcro fastenings rather than laces. Socks can be white or black, or children can wear grey tights.
A drawstring bag stays at school with spare uniform and wellies. For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 766 4876 or enquiries@unsworth.oaklp.co.uk. School visits can also be arranged by telephone.
The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and uses Cornerstones Curriculum alongside it.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal school admissions process.
Bury Council allocates places for the school. Families living outside Bury apply through their home authority.
Preschool uniform includes a white polo shirt, navy school jumper and grey trousers or skirt, with plain black joggers also permitted. Black shoes or trainers need Velcro fastenings. Children also bring spare uniform and wellies in a drawstring bag.
Contact the school office on 0161 766 4876 or email enquiries@unsworth.oaklp.co.uk.
