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Nursery at Elm Wood Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor learning in all weathers gives Elm Wood’s nursery its character. A large early years play area and an outdoor classroom let children carry their interests beyond the classroom walls. This is provision within Elm Wood Primary School in Middleton, with Moonstone for children aged two to three and Sunstone for those aged three to four.
The nursery occupies the main school building. The school describes capacity for 26 children in the morning, 26 in the afternoon and eight two-year-olds. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 19 and 20 March 2024; that judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Choice shapes the learning. Classrooms contain materials with multiple possible uses, rather than a single prescribed activity, and children choose play that follows their interests. Adults listen, demonstrate and develop that play further. For parents, the useful distinction is that children’s choices sit alongside teaching: independence does not mean adults simply stand back.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum draws on Development Matters and Birth to 5. In practical terms, staff use these documents to plan what children should learn, then adapt activities around their interests, with contributions from families. Speaking, cooperating and learning classroom routines are concrete parts of that work. In March 2024, staff expertise supported highly effective early years teaching; nursery children practised waiting for a turn, responding to adult directions and helping their peers.
Outside, the large open space allows play on a bigger scale, with opportunities to solve problems and talk together. Resources are within children’s reach, supporting independent choices. The outdoor classroom carries activities usually associated with indoor learning into the natural surroundings. Nursery life also includes PE in the main hall, assemblies and performances at Christmas, giving children experience of the wider school.
Relationships provide the starting point. In March 2024, early years children became comfortable at school promptly and built trusting bonds with staff and other children. Adults understood families as well as the children themselves. That matters for a young child learning to spend time away from home: familiar relationships support participation in play and routines.
Family communication includes a curriculum update each half term and a monthly school newsletter. These give parents information about learning and school life, while the Pastoral Team has an open-door approach for children and families.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school uses a graduated approach to concerns. Support strategies include picture-based timetables, cards showing the current and following activity, and planning tailored to the child. The Enchanted Forest provides a room for individual or small-group emotional support. Across the school, wheelchair access extends throughout the premises, and an accessible bathroom contains a ceiling hoist and electronic changing table. These are practical features for families discussing physical care needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Rochdale Local Authority’s primary school admissions route and meet the normal application deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
Transition support is a different matter. Nursery staff plan alongside Reception teachers to support continuity in children’s learning. Participation in assemblies and use of the main hall also introduce nursery children to school routines. For children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and other vulnerable pupils, the school uses Person Centred Planning to support transitions. Familiarity and planning help prepare children for the change; they do not secure admission.
Morning and afternoon nursery attendance are offered. Nursery applications go through the EYFS lead, with completed forms handed to the school office.
Contact office@elmwoodps.co.uk or telephone 0161 287 0607 for nursery enquiries. Families can also arrange a school tour by telephone through the school business manager. The nursery is on Elm Street, Middleton, Manchester, M24 2EG.
Moonstone caters for children aged two to three, and Sunstone for children aged three to four.
Yes. The early years outdoor area is used in all weathers, and an outdoor classroom allows indoor-style activities to take place outside.
Early years provision was judged Outstanding at the school inspection on 19 and 20 March 2024. This is a school early years judgement, not a separate nursery rating.
No. Families must apply separately through Rochdale Local Authority’s primary school admissions route by the normal deadline.
Nursery application forms are handed to the school office and handled by the EYFS lead. Telephone 0161 287 0607 to arrange a tour through the school business manager.
