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Nursery at Martenscroft Nursery School & Children's Centre
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sensory exploration in Cherry Blossom, early maths in Willow and growing vegetables outdoors give Martenscroft a character that changes with each child's stage. This maintained nursery school and integrated Children's Centre serves Hulme, Manchester. Early education starts at five months, with a nursery class for three- and four-year-olds.
The rooms make that progression tangible: Cherry Blossom is for babies, Apple Blossom and Orange Blossom support toddlers, and Willow is the preschool nursery class. The provision for children under two has a separate Ofsted registration, so the school inspection should not be read as an assessment of the baby provision. At the inspection on 18 and 19 June 2024, language teaching and the identification of additional needs were assessed as highly effective.
Learning moves between children's own choices, activities prompted by adults and time together as a group. The Early Years Foundation Stage provides the framework for development: here, relationships, individual interests and learning through play shape how children build skills. It is a day of exploration with adult guidance.
Cherry Blossom has a bright, roomy environment for sensory play and an adaptable routine for babies. In Apple Blossom, stories and rhymes introduce group activities alongside play near other children. Orange Blossom increases adult-guided group time as attention develops, while supporting social interaction and toilet training. Willow combines focused phonics and maths activities with opportunities to use those skills in play. The room teams give each stage a different emphasis.
Outdoor areas extend the learning space. Eco-Schools activities include growing and harvesting produce, gardening and community litter picks. Inside, reused materials become construction resources and props for pretend play. These are practical ways to explore caring for the environment, rather than leaving the subject as an abstract idea.
In June 2024, adults repeatedly demonstrated new vocabulary during activities, and books, songs and rhymes supported language development. Children also learnt words for their emotions, helping them ask adults and friends for support. Communication connects learning with everyday relationships.
Settling starts with a home visit and a gradual introduction once a place becomes available. A key worker is allocated when the child starts, creating a regular point of contact for the family. Tapestry shares learning experiences with parental consent; key workers can also speak with parents at the beginning or end of the day, or through an arranged meeting.
Meals are cooked on site using a seasonal menu. Packed lunches are an alternative governed by a healthy-eating policy, and switching between the two requires two weeks' notice. The building is nut-free. These arrangements make food a shared responsibility between staff and families.
Sleep has its own routines: each child has an individual cot or bed, chosen with parents, and an adult supervises sleeping children. Physical checks take place every ten minutes and are recorded. Daily sleep records are shared with families, helping connect care at nursery with routines at home.
SEND support includes personalised plans developed with parents and reviewed each term. Speech and language therapists or educational psychologists may become involved where specialist advice is needed. In June 2024, additional needs were identified accurately and activities were adapted so children could participate in the curriculum alongside their peers.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline.
Willow's final year prepares children for starting school through play, phonics and maths. For children with SEND, transition support includes exchanging appropriate reports directly with the next setting and involving parents throughout. Preparation and information sharing support the move; they do not secure admission.
Willow runs from 9:00am to 3:15pm. Morning drop-off is between 9:00am and 9:15am; collection begins at 3:00pm and must be completed by 3:15pm. Before-school care runs from 8:00am to 9:00am. After-school care runs from 3:15pm to 4:30pm, with an extension to 5:00pm subject to availability. Book through the administrative team: spaces are limited and allocated in booking order.
Registration requires at least two days, subject to availability. Contact the office on 0161 226 1266 to register or arrange a tour. Holiday care for term-time children runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm and needs advance booking.
Funded entitlement is calculated across 38 weeks: eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours, while three- and four-year-olds have a 15-hour entitlement. Eligible working families can qualify for 30 hours. Funding does not cover the whole year; additional care is charged. Discuss current charges and the funded booking pattern with the school, including any meals or consumables contribution.
Early education starts at five months and continues to age four. Willow is the nursery class for three- and four-year-olds.
Once a place is available, staff arrange a home visit and discuss a gradual start. Your child receives a key worker when they begin.
The school day is 9:00am to 3:15pm. Before-school and after-school care can be booked separately, subject to space.
Yes. Meals are prepared on site, with a seasonal menu. Packed lunches must follow the school's policy, and the building is nut-free.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process. Preparation for school and transition support do not guarantee admission.
