Ash Grove Academy Nursery Review

Sound recognition, creative exploration and learning familiar routines give Ash Grove Academy’s nursery its character. Provision starts with two-year-olds and sits within the primary school on Belgrave Road in Macclesfield. The nursery is included among the school’s eight classes, giving it a place within the wider school rather than a separate identity.

Ofsted judged early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 15 and 16 May 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Early learning builds on what children already know. In May 2024, nursery children developed secure sound recognition, providing an early foundation for learning to read. The emphasis at this stage is on understanding sounds. For parents, that gives a concrete picture of the learning taking place before formal reading develops.

Creative activity has its place too. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children experiment with materials and media through Expressive Arts and Design. In parent language, this means exploring materials as part of early learning, with opportunities for children to express ideas creatively. It sits alongside the nursery’s work on basic skills rather than being an activity detached from learning.

Routines are another part of the day’s learning. In May 2024, children across early years, including the two-year-olds, picked up new routines quickly. Becoming familiar with how the day works helps children take part in the learning around them.

Support starts early. In May 2024, staff recognised additional needs promptly and used their knowledge of children from the Nursery Year to provide skilled help. For a child who needs extra support, the emphasis is on responding from the beginning.

An early years SEND coordinator forms part of the school’s special educational needs and disabilities team. The school’s support arrangements bring families, classroom staff and specialists together, including Speech and Language services and the Cheshire East Autism Team. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher or contact the SEND team directly, giving them a clear route into a discussion about their child.

Joining arrangements for children with SEND are tailored to individual needs. They may include familiarisation visits, staff visiting a child’s home or existing setting, and a visual transition pack. These measures can help make new people and routines more familiar before a child starts.

Personal care is also planned around the child. Where toileting needs are complex, families, health professionals and school staff agree a care plan. The school uses coded entrance and internal doors to control access. These are practical arrangements that support care and supervision.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child’s next year.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office at admin@ashgrove.cheshire.sch.uk or telephone 01625 919610. Families of children with SEND can arrange a separate visit to discuss their child’s requirements with the leadership and SEND team.

Email is the main channel for school and home communication. Keep your contact address up to date so messages reach you. For concerns about additional needs, the class teacher is the first point of contact, with the SEND team also accessible through the main school telephone number.