Cheetwood Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and early conversation give Cheetwood’s Nursery class its character. This is the school’s own nursery provision on Waterloo Road in Cheetham, Manchester, with the school age range beginning at three. It gives children an introduction to classroom routines alongside the language and creative activities that prepare them for later learning.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 16 and 17 July 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language has a clear place in the nursery day. In July 2024, children took part in songs, rhymes and storytelling, building foundations for learning about letters and sounds later. Early years teaching also paid close attention to vocabulary and the beginnings of writing. For parents, the emphasis is on developing the words and communication skills children need before more formal learning.

Creative activity gives those beginnings a practical outlet. Nursery children paint, experiment with marks, build and use imaginative play. These activities form part of continuous provision: learning opportunities children can explore through play, rather than only completing an adult-directed task. A painted picture or a construction gives a child something to make, explore and talk about.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) also provides the framework for assessing children’s starting points. Staff draw together observations from the first two weeks, information from earlier settings, home visits and pre-entry Stay and Play sessions. This brings several perspectives into planning, rather than relying on a single first impression.

Settling begins with opportunities for staff to get to know children before they start. Home visits and Stay and Play observations contribute to that understanding. In July 2024, Nursery children adapted promptly to familiar routines, helping make learning calm and positive.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND approach starts with classroom adjustments, then adds targeted support where needed. Parents’ information contributes to assessment, and support is reviewed as needs change. These are school-wide arrangements, so they provide a framework for discussing an individual nursery child’s needs rather than a fixed package for every child.

Families using another home language can also contribute through induction meetings; interpreters may be used when needed. The school’s EAL support mainly takes place alongside classmates. Visual timetables and Widgit symbols are among the possible tools, giving children ways to understand routines while their English develops.

Attending Cheetwood’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, by the applicable deadline. Becoming familiar with school routines and developing early language skills are educational preparation; they should not be treated as an admissions advantage.

The school office handles enquiries at admin@cheetwood.manchester.sch.uk or 0161 834 2104. For inclusion discussions, parents can begin with their child’s class teacher and contact the Inclusion Team at inclusion@cheetwood.manchester.sch.uk.

Pedestrian access uses the intercom-controlled gate at the lower end of Waterloo Road. This is the access point to use when attending a meeting at the school.