Forest Gate Academy Nursery Review

A morning, an afternoon or a full day: Forest Gate Academy’s nursery gives families three distinct attendance patterns within a primary school in Partington. The nursery teacher also leads the early years foundation stage (EYFS), linking nursery teaching with responsibility for the school’s early years provision.

Language has a clear place in the early years day. Children encounter songs, stories and rhymes from the outset, while Read, Write, Inc provides the phonics approach. Within EYFS, phonics groups are organised by ability. For parents, that means an introduction to reading with teaching grouped around children’s stage of learning.

The Dean Trust curriculum begins in Nursery. The school describes its approach as giving children opportunities to explore, with vocabulary a particular focus. Its aims include independence and confidence, alongside learning to cooperate with other children. These are useful priorities for a child beginning to participate in classroom life.

In December 2023, early years children sustained their attention during activities and enjoyed playing together. Learning and relationships belong alongside one another here.

Beyond the classroom, the school grounds include a woodland area, a garden and a trim trail. These are school facilities rather than a description of a dedicated nursery playground. Each classroom also has a Calm Corner, giving children somewhere to pause when emotions become difficult.

In June 2024, nursery welcome meetings brought new children and their parents together with EYFS staff to prepare for September. That gives a concrete example of families meeting the team before their child begins. In December 2023, children in early years adjusted promptly to school life.

Staffing includes a nursery teacher and two EYFS teaching assistants. For additional needs, the school’s SENCO coordinates support with families and professionals from education, health and social care. Parents are encouraged to raise concerns with their child’s class teacher, so their knowledge of the child can inform planning.

Support can happen in the classroom or through individual and small-group interventions. Children with special educational needs have an Additional Needs Support Plan that includes ways parents can help with individual goals at home. This gives school and home a shared focus.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Trafford Local Authority and meet the deadline for their entry year. Treat that application as a separate task, even when your child already attends Forest Gate’s nursery.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Full-time places span 8:45am to 3:15pm, with a lunch period from 11:45am to 12:45pm. The distinction matters for collection arrangements: a morning session ends when the full-time lunch period begins.

Enquiries go through the school office on 0161 775 4356 or at office@forestgateacademy.co.uk. Appointments to view the school can also be arranged through the office, giving families a direct route to meet the setting before choosing it.