Stanley Grove Primary Academy Nursery

Language, play and learning to keep trying give Stanley Grove’s nursery its character. The nursery places its main emphasis on communication, physical development and children’s social and emotional foundations. These are the skills that help children express what they need, join in and approach new learning.

Within Stanley Grove Primary Academy in Longsight, the nursery has 60 places. Children can attend from the September after they turn 3. It is the school’s own early years provision, with a curriculum shaped around this first stage of learning.

Playing, investigating and developing ideas are central to the approach. Stanley Grove follows EYFS Development Matters, covering seven learning areas. Alongside language, movement and personal development, children encounter early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and learning about the world. The nursery emphasises communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional development as foundations for wider learning.

Persistence matters too. Children are encouraged to concentrate, try again when something proves difficult and make connections between their ideas. For parents, that means the learning approach values how a child tackles an activity as well as what they produce.

A daily Letters and Sounds phonics lesson lasts 15 minutes, with groups of up to 6 children. Phase 1 is the main focus; some children progress to Phase 2 when ready. Further sound activities form part of the ongoing learning provision, giving children opportunities to revisit the lesson during the day. Children who find sound awareness difficult receive additional targeted help.

In December 2024, Ofsted found that early years staff used storytelling and rhymes to build children’s communication and language. There is also a concrete example of learning beyond the nursery classroom: in March 2016, nursery children explored the ICT room and learnt about computer components. That is a historical example, rather than a description of today’s timetable.

For children with additional needs, the school works with families and professional partners to adapt provision to the individual child. Its SEND partnerships include Manchester’s local authority and Bright Futures Educational Trust. This gives families a route for discussing support as part of the wider school provision.

The pastoral team also helps families and liaises with agencies including children’s services and the police. Staff use CPOMs to record concerns about safeguarding, special educational needs and behaviour, connecting those concerns within the school’s reporting arrangements.

Food has clear school-wide rules: everything served is Halal, and Stanley Grove operates a nut-free policy. Hot and cold meal choices are offered. Those arrangements matter for families considering dietary requirements, although nursery attendance and meal planning should be treated as separate practical decisions.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The Admissions Team at Manchester City Council manages Reception admissions, so choosing this nursery should not be treated as securing the next school place.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 0161 224 9495. Attendance and admissions enquiries have a designated office route, while general enquiries can also be sent to admin@sgpa.bfet.uk.

The school’s uniform consists of a grey Stanley Grove jumper, a white polo shirt and black trousers or a skirt. School shoes are required rather than trainers. The office takes orders for the jumper and book bags; contact the school for current charges.