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Nursery at Chorlton Park Primary
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Picture books chosen with parents, programmable toys and mark making indoors and outdoors give Chorlton Park’s nursery a character built around exploration. This is the school’s own provision in Chorlton, Manchester, offering full-time and part-time places for children who turned three between 1 September and 31 August of the previous school year. Children must be three before admission.
The early years provision received an Outstanding judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 4 and 5 June 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Language was a clear strength: adults introduced ambitious vocabulary throughout activities, helping children develop the words to explain their ideas.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children’s personal development. Here, experiences across seven learning areas sit alongside an emphasis on relationships and individual needs. The school aims to help children cooperate, share and become more independent, so learning involves how children play together as well as what they know.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the early reading approach, with Phase 1 phonics beginning in Nursery. Children can select a picture book with a parent from the class library to enjoy at home. That makes shared reading a practical link between the classroom and family life.
Inside and outside, children have materials for making marks, with adult guidance alongside opportunities to experiment for themselves. Maths follows a mastery approach: a teacher introduces a skill, then adults extend it through play and discussion. Children can revisit an idea in different activities rather than encounter it only in a whole-class lesson.
Technology has a concrete presence too. Early years children use programmable toys and cameras or phones in pretend play, and visit the ICT suite weekly to practise mouse control and use suitable programs and iPad apps.
Writing development. In June 2024, the school’s writing programme needed clearer teaching content and direction for staff, with changes beginning in early years. Families should weigh this improvement point alongside the strengths in spoken language and early reading.
Think Equal uses picture books to explore emotions, relationships and peaceful ways to resolve disagreements. Its 30-week programme supports social and emotional learning. In June 2024, early years children were learning to treat one another considerately, giving this work a practical expression in their interactions.
Settling starts with a transition programme arranged by the Nursery team after a place is accepted. For additional needs, the school consults parents during identification and assessment; support can involve individual work, small groups or classroom equipment. The SENCo coordinates support with families and other professionals. A Family Support Team can also help with sleep routines, behaviour and health concerns, giving parents a route for difficulties beyond classroom learning.
Meals are prepared through the school’s in-house catering service. Parents of children with food allergies can arrange a discussion with the Catering Manager through the office, allowing dietary needs to be discussed directly with the team preparing food.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Manchester Local Authority handles Reception admissions, including applications for children already in this nursery. Parents must apply separately, online or using a requested paper form, by the nominated January date before their child starts Reception. A late application can affect whether a child receives their preferred school.
Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions. Familiarity with the school does not replace that application.
Full-time and part-time nursery places offer different attendance patterns. Greenhouse Breakfast and Afterschool Club is open to children attending the school and operates during term time on weekdays. Breakfast Club runs from 7.50am to 8.50am; the afternoon club runs from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Activities include construction, dressing up and crafts, with breakfast in the morning and a light snack after school.
School visits for prospective nursery families take place in the spring term. Book through the office on 0161 881 1621, or email cphythian@chorltonpark.manchester.sch.uk to request that your child joins the nursery list. Contact the school for current charges.
Full-time and part-time places are for children who turned three between 1 September and 31 August of the previous school year. Children must be three before they can be admitted.
Phase 1 phonics starts in Nursery through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. Children can also choose a class-library picture book with a parent to read at home.
The Nursery team arranges a transition programme for the child.
No. Parents must submit a separate application to Manchester Local Authority by the nominated January deadline, including when their child already attends the nursery.
Spring-term school visits can be booked by calling 0161 881 1621.
