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Nursery at Gorsefield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Words, rhymes and stories give Gorsefield’s nursery its character, with language learning woven into the start of school life. In March 2023, Ofsted found that nursery children encountered varied vocabulary and stories, and soon learned routines and considerate ways of interacting. Those are useful foundations for both learning and joining a group.
Little Explorers takes children from the term after their second birthday; the nursery for three- and four-year-olds starts from the term after their third birthday. The nursery has 39 full-time places within Gorsefield Primary School, on Robertson Street in Radcliffe. Families can apply for either 15 or 30 hours.
Language has a deliberate place in Learning Without Limits, the school’s named curriculum. Listening, speaking, reading and writing opportunities begin in nursery, with vocabulary planned across subjects and year groups. For a young child, the practical emphasis is on acquiring words to understand ideas and communicate them.
Books also connect school learning with home. An in-house community library lets families borrow books related to the children’s learning themes, giving parents something concrete to share and discuss beyond the nursery session. Parents and carers can borrow for their own reading too.
Alongside this, the Trust Primary Pledge includes children from nursery onwards. Children receive enrichment opportunities linked to each of its values at least once during the early years.
Settling begins before admission. Once a place has been allocated, a stay-and-play session helps children get to know the other children, staff and surroundings. That gives the family a first point of familiarity before regular attendance starts.
All staff working in or alongside the early years foundation stage have paediatric first-aid training. A school medical lead works with health professionals on care plans, and prescribed medicines can be given at school with parents’ or carers’ written consent in advance. An early-years safety song helps children recognise trusted adults they can approach with worries, including adults at home.
For additional needs, the school uses information from families and previous settings when a child joins. Parents contribute to an Individual Provision Map, shared and reviewed each half term, so support has a regular discussion point. Food support includes a bagel breakfast snack offered to all children through the National School Breakfast Programme, delivered by Family Action and Magic Breakfast.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Bury’s online admissions service; applications for September 2027 begin in October 2026.
Nursery priority. For September 2027 entry, children attending Gorsefield’s nursery when their application is made receive Priority 3, below looked-after and previously looked-after children and qualifying older siblings. This is an admissions advantage, but it still requires an application and does not secure a place.
Contact the school office about nursery vacancies on 01617259750 or at gorsefield@bury.gov.uk. School tours can be arranged by appointment. An early-years open morning is scheduled for 17 October 2026, from 10am to 11.30am, giving prospective families a specific opportunity to explore the provision.
Access is through the front of the school site. The main gate leads to Early Years; the Banana Path gate closed from 10 October 2025. Use the front access when planning drop-off and collection.
Little Explorers admits children from the term after their second birthday. The three- and four-year-old nursery admits children from the term after their third birthday.
Yes. Both nursery age groups accept applications for 15 or 30 hours.
After a place is allocated, children have a stay-and-play session before admission to become familiar with staff, other children and the setting.
No. A separate Bury online application is required. For September 2027 entry, children attending the nursery when they apply receive Priority 3 under the oversubscription criteria.
Contact the school to arrange a tour. The early-years open morning takes place on 17 October 2026, from 10am to 11.30am.
