Armitage CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Outdoor learning throughout the day gives Armitage’s Nursery a clear practical distinction: fresh-air learning is part of the timetable rather than confined to a break. The school’s early years provision has two stages. The Link serves children from age two in its own building on the school grounds; the Nursery class caters for three- and four-year-olds.

The September 2022 admission policy describes up to 30 full-time Nursery places, with children starting in September after their third birthday. Keep the two provisions distinct when choosing a place: The Link has its own session patterns and staff team, while Nursery offers full-time or part-time attendance linked to funding eligibility.

Language development gives the early years curriculum its direction. At the October 2024 Ofsted inspection, the curriculum for children aged two and three was found to build the basic language needed for subsequent learning, with careful attention to children learning English as an additional language. For parents, the significant emphasis is on helping children communicate before asking them to tackle later learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) timetable gives Nursery children outdoor access across the day, and sets aside 11:30am to 12:30pm for lunch. This makes outdoor learning part of the daily pattern. At The Link, morning sessions run from 9am to noon and afternoon sessions from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, with a snack included in each.

Support can also change where learning happens. The Facilitated Activity Base, known as The FAB, serves children including those in Nursery. Connected to the main school, it contains a main classroom and three smaller spaces, one of them sensory. Visual prompts, straightforward language and help with emotional regulation support participation there and back in the child’s usual classroom. The physical arrangement allows support in a smaller setting.

Separate teams work in The Link and Nursery. The Link’s staffing includes a teacher, a teaching assistant and higher level teaching assistants; Nursery likewise has teachers and teaching assistants, including a combined teacher and higher level teaching assistant role. Nursery offer letters explain the induction arrangements and the work with families before children start, giving parents a defined point at which settling preparations begin.

Early identification matters in the school’s SEND arrangements. The SEND coordinators contribute to EYFS transition planning, with speech and language therapy and educational psychology involved where needed. Parents’ permission is required before outside agencies provide support, and families are encouraged to take part in professional meetings.

Meals require some parent organisation. At The Link’s lunch session, children can bring a packed lunch or have a school dinner. Taylor Shaw supplies school meals, with choices booked through LunchHound. Allergy information must be kept current with the school for the ordering system’s safeguards to work. Medical diets are requested online.

ParentMail handles the school’s main family communications, while Medical Tracker sends alerts about injuries and first aid. Keeping contact details current matters for both everyday messages and care updates.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority. The September 2022 policy is explicit: families must make a separate application, including children already attending Nursery. Apply through the local authority where you live; Manchester residents use Manchester’s admissions team. That policy describes applications from September to a deadline usually in January. Follow the normal application deadline for your child’s entry year.

Transition support is a separate matter. The school plans moves between year groups through staff handovers, with extra classroom visits where needed. That helps carry information about a child’s needs forward; it does not change the admissions decision.

Nursery’s funding model pairs a 30-hour entitlement with full-time attendance and a 15-hour entitlement with part-time attendance. Families eligible for 15 hours can pay to extend to full time. Ask the school for current charges.

The Link operates during term time, with morning and afternoon patterns available Monday to Friday. Its breakfast session includes breakfast. To enquire about either provision, use the waiting-list request form on the admissions page or contact the office at admin@armitage.manchester.sch.uk or 0161 273 4654. School tours can be arranged through the same office.

School uniform uses royal blue jumpers or cardigans, light blue or white polo shirts and grey or black skirts or trousers. Nursery children receive shorts and a logo T-shirt for PE at no charge; families provide outdoor PE footwear.