Chorlton CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Gel boards for early mark making, a light table for sorting colours and an outdoor area give Chorlton’s nursery learning a concrete, hands-on character. This is the nursery within Chorlton CofE Primary School on Vicars Road, Manchester, with places normally intended for children who have turned three by 31 August before their starting academic year.

At the November 2024 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was judged Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Adult interaction was a clear strength: children learned securely and developed independence through their exchanges with staff.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the nursery’s early learning context. Here, the practical examples bring it into focus: making marks on gel boards gives children a way to explore early writing, while colour sorting at the light table makes learning something they can manipulate and investigate. Outdoor exploration also features in the nursery’s class examples.

Our Life Stories, an autumn nursery topic, starts with children’s interests, families and experiences. Sharing these gives children familiar material to talk about and makes differences between families part of the learning. It also gives staff a starting point for getting to know the children.

Preparation for reading begins in Nursery through practice of the skills children need before formal reading instruction. In November 2024, children’s learning was secure and progressed quickly, with adults helping them learn independently. The emphasis is on building foundations.

Lunch provides a fixed pause: the EYFS lunch period runs from 11.45am to 12.15pm. Nursery class examples include children eating lunch alongside their learning activities.

Getting to know children is part of the opening autumn topic. Our Life Stories centres their own experiences, giving them something familiar to share as they begin nursery life.

For families needing additional support, the school’s SEND coordinator can be contacted through admin@chorlton.manchester.sch.uk. The school also directs parents to SENDIASS Manchester for independent advice and to the Manchester Local Offer for information about local services. These provide routes for families to discuss needs and understand support beyond the classroom.

The Treehouse supplies breakfast for children attending its morning club and a light afternoon snack. Its assistants also work in daytime school roles, including teaching assistance and lunchtime organisation, providing continuity between the school day and wraparound care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; the school directs them to Manchester City Council’s school admissions information. Treat that application as a separate task from securing nursery attendance.

Places are allocated for an academic year, with full-time attendance the standard arrangement. Part-time attendance may be possible, but full-time charges still apply. This matters if a family wants fewer days: reduced attendance does not bring a matching reduction in charges.

The nursery day lasts six hours and 30 minutes. All children receive 15 funded hours each week; families qualifying for 30 hours must submit a valid eligibility code. For those using 30-hour funding, half an hour of each day remains unfunded. Additional charges apply, and families should obtain current charges from the school. Withdrawal requires a full term’s notice.

The Treehouse accepts nursery children, with breakfast care beginning at 7.45am and afternoon care running from 3.15pm to 5.45pm. Apply for nursery through the Online Nursery Application Form; general enquiries go to the school office on 0161 881 6798 or admin@chorlton.manchester.sch.uk.