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Nursery at Crossacres Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Busy Bees, Smiley Snails and Butterflies give Crossacres’ nursery its own identity within the primary academy. There are 90 children, organised into groups with a key worker. That group structure gives families a smaller unit to relate to within a sizeable nursery provision on Crossacres Road in Wythenshawe.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 24 and 25 January 2023. This judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Conversation is a substantial part of learning here. In January 2023, adults in early years used purposeful exchanges during play and learning to help children broaden their vocabulary. Some children’s language development had been affected by reduced opportunities to socialise during pandemic restrictions. The response put adult interaction into everyday activity, giving children opportunities to develop language as they played.
The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a framework describing children’s learning and development from birth to five. Learning has prime and specific areas, and children’s development is tracked during nursery. Tracking gives parents a basis for discussing their child’s development with staff.
Learning habits also receive attention. In January 2023, early years staff helped children establish positive behaviours for learning quickly. Alongside vocabulary development, this gives the nursery day a clear developmental purpose: helping children participate in learning as well as extending what they can say.
Each group has a key worker. The group names also include Caterpillars, Ladybirds and Dragonflies, giving children a named group within the larger nursery. For families, the key worker arrangement provides a clear starting point for discussing their child.
Identification of special educational needs and/or disabilities begins in early years. In January 2023, children needing this support were recognised promptly. That matters because concerns can be picked up at the beginning of a child’s school experience. Parents can arrange a discussion with the school’s SEND co-ordinator through the office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Crossacres. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their child’s intake. Treat that application as a separate task from nursery registration.
Separate applications. Returning a nursery registration form puts a child on the nursery waiting list. It does not secure their next school place, so families should keep the Reception application distinct from this first step.
Thirty-hour funded childcare places are offered, subject to eligibility. Families can check eligibility through the government childcare route. The eligibility condition matters when considering which childcare arrangement fits the family.
Return the completed nursery registration form by email to admin@crossacres.manchester.sch.uk or take it to the school office. The child is then added to the waiting list. Nursery enquiries can also go through the school on 0161 437 1272.
There are 90 children, divided into groups with a key worker.
It follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, covering learning and development from birth to five.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Yes, subject to eligibility. Families can check eligibility through the government childcare route.
Email the completed form to admin@crossacres.manchester.sch.uk or return it to the school office. Your child will then join the waiting list.
