Little Bears Nursery at Brierley Primary School

Two large outdoor areas and stories such as The Gruffalo give Little Bears a clear early years identity: movement, books and play feature in children’s learning. This is Brierley Primary School’s own nursery on Mirion Street in Crewe, welcoming children from their third birthday. It sits within the school’s EYFS provision, with a nursery teacher, teaching assistants and a physical development teacher listed on the early years team.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 15 and 16 November 2022. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

A morning session runs from 8:40am to 11:40am; the afternoon runs from 12:20pm to 3:20pm. Between them, Little Bears has a lunch period from 11:40am to 12:20pm. Families can choose mornings or afternoons, subject to space, and full-time attendance is also offered.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with children’s development: communicating, becoming more independent, moving confidently and building relationships. Children explore through play and activity, with learning taking place inside and outdoors. Access to two large outdoor areas gives the early years team space to extend activities beyond the classroom. Daily PE adds a regular opportunity for movement.

Books create a connection between nursery and home. The Gruffalo is among the early years favourites, and share books go home on Fridays for return on Mondays. Adults are encouraged to discuss characters’ feelings and predict what might happen next, making reading together a conversation rather than a test.

Early literacy includes learning how to grip a pencil and form letters from Nursery. In November 2022, children also began developing awareness of sounds when they joined the nursery class, laying foundations for later reading.

Settling receives practical support. At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that early years staff helped children adjust quickly and that children enjoyed the activities prepared for them. For children attending full days, a mid-day team provides lunchtime support.

The school’s SEND arrangements include Little Bears. Its Summer 2026 policy uses the Cheshire East toolkit and a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review. Parents contribute to support plans, which are shared termly, so families can understand the goals and discuss how support is working.

Personal care is part of that support. Staff work with families on toilet training and can put an Intimate Care Plan in place where needed. Parents supply nappies or continence pads and spare clothing when required. The school also has ramps at external doors and an automatic entrance door, useful physical features for families with mobility needs.

For snacks, school guidance asks families to send healthy food and drinks, with a water bottle each day that children can refill. The Little Bears timetable includes a separate lunch period, helping families distinguish session hours from lunchtime care.

Attending Little Bears does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process, handled by Cheshire East Council’s Admissions Team, and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.

Transition activities serve a different purpose: helping children become familiar with the next stage. Brierley’s Reception induction includes a summer parent meeting, a home visit and visits for children in June or July. Information is gathered from the child’s nursery or preschool. These steps help staff get to know the child; they do not secure admission.

The nursery’s funding offer describes 15 hours each week as five three-hour sessions, beginning in the term following a child’s third birthday. Little Bears also participates in the 30-hour scheme for eligible working families. Additional paid hours allow full-time attendance; contact the school for current charges.

To enquire, email littlebears@brierley.cheshire.sch.uk or telephone 01270 698840. Nursery visits can be arranged by appointment, giving parents an opportunity to see the provision before choosing sessions.

Outdoor learning shapes what children need to wear. The EYFS team asks for clothing suited to outdoor activities, named belongings and a labelled spare change of clothes. These are useful preparations for an active nursery day.