Arundale Primary School Nursery Review

Sand, water and small-world dinosaurs give Arundale’s nursery its character: children choose resources for themselves, then join adults for focused learning. This is the school’s own nursery in its Foundation Stage, on Lowry Grove in Mottram. Part-time entry begins in the September after a child’s third birthday, with full-time places also offered.

We hold no published inspection grade for it.

Play and practical experience shape the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here. In everyday terms, children learn by choosing, exploring and making, alongside activities led by a teacher or teaching assistant. Arundale calls its organised learning areas Continuous Provision, with mini topics connecting them to the seven areas of learning. The balance gives children time to pursue an interest and time to work with an adult.

Open shelves make independence tangible: children can select the materials they need. A book corner, spaces for writing and maths, and areas for making and creative work sit alongside role play, sand and water. Small-world play includes farm, dinosaur and fire-station examples. There are different ways into learning, from inventing a story to experimenting with materials.

Children have opportunities for outdoor learning every day. The outdoor space follows a similar arrangement to the classroom, combining activities children select with work guided by adults. Waterproof coats are required each day because outdoor time is intended to continue across different weather conditions.

Topics draw on children’s interests and books, with Heroes, Minibeasts and Dinosaurs among the examples. Staff plan around what children already understand as well as what interests them. Read Write Inc Phonics is used daily in the early years to teach letter sounds for reading and writing. In art, children investigate colour and texture, choose materials and practise using simple tools, turning ideas into things they can make.

Arundale aims to help children move from home into school while developing confidence, friendships and independence. Its early years teaching combines individual choices with group experiences, so the day includes opportunities both to act independently and to learn alongside others.

Support also draws on the wider school. The pastoral team works from the Rainbow Room, where parents and carers can drop in on Fridays between 8.30am and 10.30am to discuss concerns. That gives families a regular opportunity for a conversation about worries at home or school.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents are encouraged to begin with their child’s class teacher, with further help through the SENDCO. Staff use personalised programmes for needs involving movement, communication, social interaction, emotions and behaviour. Decisions about additional support include parents’ views, giving families a part in choosing the intervention or agency involved.

Separate applications. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Arundale. Families must apply again through the normal Reception process, through Tameside’s local authority, by the normal deadline. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the early years experience itself, rather than an assumption that the next place is secured.

The session choices are concrete: funded 15-hour morning places run from 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoon places from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The 30-hour option runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm, with funding for eligible three-year-olds. Full-time places are also offered with a charge for families who do not qualify for 30-hour funding; contact the school for current charges.

For a nursery application form, contact the school office. Visits can be arranged by telephone appointment on 01457 762 328, giving parents an opportunity to see the provision before deciding.