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Nursery at Gorse Hill 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly Forest School, songs children invent themselves and time to pursue their own interests give Gorse Hill's nursery its character. This is the school's own provision in Stretford, within its Early Years teaching area, which has a separate entrance. Outdoor learning belongs in the timetable.
Ofsted rated early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 November 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children combine activities they choose with tasks led by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, movement and social development with early literacy, mathematics, exploration of the world and creative work. In parent terms, learning to explain an idea or take turns matters alongside counting and making marks.
Circle Time provides opportunities to practise communication and develop relationships. Group activities let staff work on individual learning targets, while indoor and outdoor exploration follows children's interests. Weekly Forest School adds a regular outdoor element; the school grounds include a forest school area. These different settings give children opportunities to investigate and apply their learning.
Music has a clear nursery identity. Children learn complete songs, try matching a sung note, invent melodies and handle instruments to express ideas. Movement includes waving streamers and flags, alongside painting and mark-making. The nursery geography plan introduces growing things, animals' food and journeys, connecting exploration with subjects children can talk about from their own lives.
Language was a strength of early years in November 2023, with activities that developed children's vocabulary and opportunities to learn through books. Staff also helped children sustain attention, share resources and wait for a turn. Those are practical foundations for joining group activities.
Settling begins with opportunities to meet the adults. Home visits are offered to nursery starters, involving the class teacher and teaching assistants. Children can also visit before starting, and an introductory parents' evening provides time to see the classroom and discuss procedures. Families therefore have several opportunities to establish contact before the first session.
Communication continues through Class Dojo, and parents can contribute examples of learning at home to inform planning. Zones of Regulation gives children a colour-based way to recognise feelings and practise ways of managing them. Milk is free for children under five.
Speech and language support starts early. Nursery children are screened using WELLCOMM, with extra support and possible Speech and Language Therapy referrals where needed. EYFS staff have I Can Early Talk training. Learning Plans set individual outcomes, with termly reviews shared with parents. In November 2023, children with SEND in early years participated in the provision and achieved well.
Attending Gorse Hill's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. Trafford's 2021 guidance describes applying through Trafford for its residents, or through the home local authority for families living elsewhere.
Preparation for the next classroom is a separate matter. Children spend time with their next teachers in their new classrooms towards the end of the summer term. Additional transition support is tailored to children with special educational needs. Familiarity can help with the change, but it does not secure admission.
The full-time nursery day runs from 8:50am to 3:10pm. Part-time attendance follows either a Monday-to-Wednesday or Wednesday-to-Friday pattern, with the latter starting on Wednesday from 12:30pm to 3:10pm. The published part-time patterns split attendance across the week. Ask the office which booking options are currently available.
Nursery applications are handled by the school, using a form from the office. Enquiries go to office@gorsehillprimary.co.uk or 0161 865 1209, and families can arrange a visit. The uniform combines a yellow polo shirt with a black sweatshirt or cardigan and grey bottoms. Label clothing clearly.
For collection and drop-off, parents wait in the playgrounds. The school recommends walking because surrounding streets become busy; drivers are asked to park away from Portland Street and finish the journey on foot.
No. Nursery and Reception applications are separate. Apply again through the normal Reception admissions process by the deadline for your child's entry year.
There is a full-time day from 8:50am to 3:10pm, plus Monday-to-Wednesday and Wednesday-to-Friday part-time patterns. The Wednesday-to-Friday pattern begins with Wednesday afternoon, from 12:30pm to 3:10pm.
Home visits are offered with the class teacher and teaching assistants. Children can attend a pre-nursery visit, and an introductory parents' evening covers procedures and provides an opportunity to see the classroom.
Nursery children have WELLCOMM screening. Children needing help receive additional support and may be referred to Speech and Language Therapy. EYFS staff have I Can Early Talk training.
Contact the school office on 0161 865 1209 or email office@gorsehillprimary.co.uk. Nursery application forms are available from the office, and visits can be arranged.
