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Nursery at Cheetham CofE Community Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sound recognition gives Cheetham’s nursery a clear starting point for early reading. Children learn to recognise familiar sounds before progressing to a named phonics programme in the summer term. The emphasis is on building the foundations first.
This is the nursery within Cheetham CofE Community Academy, a Church of England primary school on Halliwell Lane in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. Its nursery curriculum sits within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a long-term plan specifically for Nursery. Families are choosing provision within a school, with access to its routes for learning advice and family support.
The nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm. Early reading is the clearest thread through the learning: in September 2023, inspectors found that nursery staff built children’s readiness for reading through work on recognising everyday sounds. This gives a concrete picture of preparation before independent reading begins.
Read, Write, Inc starts during Nursery’s summer term. The programme introduces Set 1 sounds in a set sequence, then moves towards combining sounds into words. After the first five sounds, children begin practising spoken blending, called Fred Talk. The sequence makes the steps explicit: hear the sounds, learn them and practise putting them together.
Across the school, the curriculum aims to develop communication, understanding of difference and spiritual awareness. Language development includes expanding vocabulary and helping children express themselves confidently. Those aims sit alongside Nursery’s own EYFS plan; the nursery-specific reading work gives them a practical focus for the youngest learners.
Tapestry carries the latest EYFS newsletters, giving parents a route to follow year-group information. Questions about learning can go to the class teacher or phase leader. For concerns about a child’s development, the teacher is also the first contact, keeping the initial conversation close to the child’s learning.
Family support extends beyond classroom questions. A home liaison role supports parents, while Manchester’s Early Help brings advice and practical assistance together around family needs. The school works with services including speech and language, health and housing. This gives families a route into coordinated help when difficulties cross several areas of life.
Aspens supplies the school’s meals and aims to meet School Food Standards. Child protection training takes place annually for school staff, and children are told which adults they can approach with worries. These are school-wide arrangements surrounding the nursery.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal process. Manchester City Council is the school application route, whereas nursery applications go directly to the school. Treat these as two distinct applications when planning your child’s next step.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school directly on 0161 740 5996 or email admin@cheetham.manchester.sch.uk. The 9am start and 3pm finish provide the core times around which to plan collection and other commitments.
Parking. Visitor spaces are very limited. Parking, including disabled parking, can sometimes be arranged beforehand through the school; Halliwell Lane is the recommended alternative. Allow for that constraint when organising a visit.
Nursery runs from 9am to 3pm.
Contact the school directly on 0161 740 5996 or email admin@cheetham.manchester.sch.uk.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal process. Apply for a school place through Manchester City Council.
Read, Write, Inc begins in the summer term of Nursery. It introduces sounds and spoken blending, known as Fred Talk.
Speak to your child’s teacher first. For wider family difficulties, the school also has home liaison support and works with Manchester’s Early Help service.
