Christ The King RC Primary School Manchester Nursery

Play has its own space here: the nursery belongs to a separate Early Years Foundation Unit with outdoor provision for learning through play. It sits within Christ the King’s Catholic primary school in Newton Heath, where children can begin school life from age three. For families choosing a first classroom, the combination gives the nursery a distinct early years base within the wider school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning. In parent terms, play is part of the curriculum, with language and communication receiving particular attention. The school follows its own sequence of learning across the EYFS areas, and assesses children when they enter Nursery. That starting assessment gives staff a picture of what a child can already do.

Outdoor provision belongs to the Early Years Foundation Unit itself. Learning through play therefore has a space beyond the classroom, rather than being confined to indoor activities. Nursery and Reception are both based in this unit.

Early reading has a named approach: Read Write Inc, used from Nursery onwards. In February 2023, Ofsted identified a strong emphasis on language and communication beginning in the Nursery class, preparing children for later phonics learning. Speaking and listening matter here. The same inspection also recognised the contribution of additional support to these skills across the early years, making communication a useful focus for conversations about a child’s progress.

Language support extends beyond classroom teaching. Children with speech or communication needs can be referred to the school’s Speech and Language Therapist; assessment leads to a support plan. Depending on that plan, help comes directly from the therapist or from school staff working with their guidance. This gives families a specific route for discussing difficulties with speech and understanding.

Parents can contact the SEND team through ClassDojo, email or the school office. Teaching assistants are deployed by the class teacher and SENDCo, with support adapted for individual learning needs. The distinction matters: support is organised around the child’s learning, rather than a single programme for everyone.

Zones of Regulation is used across the school to teach children about feelings and ways to manage them. Families can use the same language at home. For wider worries, the Pupil and Family Support Coordinator provides family support and Early Help work, with contact through Class Dojo or email. Staff also receive regular safeguarding training.

A separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Applications go through the local authority, with the school directing parents to Manchester’s admissions service.

Sharing an Early Years Foundation Unit is a feature of the learning environment. It should be considered separately from the allocation of a Reception place.

Enquiries go to the school office on 0161 681 2779 or contact@christtheking.manchester.sch.uk. Parents can arrange a school tour by appointment and meet the headteacher.

For ongoing communication, families can approach their child’s class teacher or the office, and share questions through Dojo, telephone or email. School newsletters provide another way to follow news and events.