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Nursery at Button Lane Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, rhymes and outdoor learning give Button Lane’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision in Northern Moor, Manchester, with 60 nursery places and a place within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Nursery learning centres on play and first-hand experiences, with children’s learning at home and in previous settings taken into account.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 12 and 13 July 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language gets daily attention. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the nursery’s Foundations for Phonics approach: children hear stories and rhymes, develop their language and practise combining spoken sounds into words. This gives parents a clear picture of early reading here: listening and speaking are part of the work, before children tackle written words.
White Rose Maths starts in the EYFS. Early number work includes numbers to 5, with patterns, measurement and shape also part of the learning. Nursery themes include Animal Magic, Magical Me and Transport. These give play a subject to explore while the EYFS brings together seven areas of learning and development. In parent language, the approach connects children’s thinking, communication and development rather than treating each activity as an isolated lesson.
Reading has a physical place in the classroom. Early years classrooms have reading corners with selected books, giving children somewhere to enjoy stories alongside the spoken language work. Songs and rhymes also feature in early years music, linking with children’s understanding of themselves and their world.
Outside, the school grounds include an area being developed for Forest School. Nursery children need wellingtons and a raincoat for Forest School across the year, so outdoor learning needs practical preparation at home. In July 2023, the early years curriculum had an ordered sequence of learning, and phonics teaching built children’s knowledge skilfully.
Parents can stay briefly in the classroom for morning activities. That offers a shared start to the morning and a chance to engage with what their child is doing. The nursery team includes a class teacher and a teaching assistant, within an early years structure led by an EYFS leader.
For additional needs, families can arrange an appointment with the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator through the office. This gives parents a direct route to discuss support. Nursery learning questions can also go to nursery@buttonlane.manchester.sch.uk.
Communication includes a Friday newsletter through Arbor, with printed copies obtainable from the office, and parents’ evenings each term. Orian supplies school meals. Together, these arrangements give families regular points of contact about school life and a named meal provider.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal route and meet the normal deadline. The Admissions Team at Manchester City Council handles Reception applications; nursery enquiries go to the school office. Keep those two processes separate when planning the next stage.
The school aims to connect learning across its early years stages, building on children’s existing skills. That educational continuity is separate from securing a place.
Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:15am; the afternoon session runs from 12:15pm to 2:40pm. These are useful collection times to build into family routines. If collection arrangements change or a parent is delayed, the office should be told, and families should keep contact details and authorised collectors up to date.
Uniform is compulsory in Nursery. The main colours are yellow and royal blue: a yellow polo shirt goes with a royal blue cardigan or sweatshirt and grey or black bottoms. School logos are optional on those garments. Label clothing so it can be identified.
For nursery applications and availability, call 0161 945 1965. Families can also arrange a school tour through the office, and nursery visits take place during the year, allowing parents and children to meet the team and see the learning space.
The morning session is 8:30am to 11:15am, and the afternoon session is 12:15pm to 2:40pm.
Children follow Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised Foundations for Phonics, with daily oral blending, stories, rhymes and language development.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the Admissions Team at Manchester City Council.
Yes. Uniform is compulsory, with yellow and royal blue as the school colours. Nursery children also need a raincoat and wellingtons for Forest School.
Call the school office on 0161 945 1965 to discuss a nursery application or arrange a school tour. Nursery visiting opportunities also take place during the year.
