Middleton Parish Church School Nursery Review

Children’s interests set the direction here, with play, conversation and weekly Forest School giving the nursery day its shape. Middleton Parish Church School’s nursery sits within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), where developing independence and learning to get along with others are central aims. The school’s starting age is three.

This is a Church of England setting in Middleton, with a Christian ethos expressed through Excellence, Truth and Grace. The school aims to value each child’s individual qualities. For the current school, there is no Ofsted graded rating yet.

In the Moment Planning allows adults to develop learning from something that has caught a child’s attention. There is also time for teaching directed by adults, alongside opportunities to explore through play. The timetable adapts as children’s needs change during the year, rather than keeping the same balance throughout.

The EYFS priorities translate into practical foundations: communicating with others, becoming more independent, managing relationships and developing physical skills. Language receives sustained attention. A story becomes the focus for a week or fortnight, with vocabulary explored through conversation, activities and storytelling. Books also appear across the learning areas, giving children reasons to return to stories during their own play.

Nursery phonics starts with Phase 1, developing listening and awareness of sounds before formal reading instruction. A Sound of the week introduces Read Write Inc Set 1 sounds and their accompanying letter prompts. Maths follows White Rose Maths guidance for Nursery, using songs, games, rhymes and objects children can handle. These are concrete ways to begin exploring number.

Outdoor learning has equal standing with learning inside. Weekly Forest School sessions use the school grounds, where established trees stand alongside a forest area planted by children. Exploring the environment and creating natural artwork are among the possible activities. This gives outdoor discovery a regular place in the week.

Starting school draws on children’s experiences at home and in previous settings. Staff work with parents, carers and other settings, using existing interests and knowledge to help children make that transition. The emphasis is on building from what feels familiar.

For communication, Class Dojo carries classroom updates and information for families. Its translation function offers 36 languages, helping parents follow news in their preferred language. Language support within EYFS includes Blank’s level questioning, with Wellcomm interventions used where appropriate. The school’s SENDCo supports personalised provision and coordinates referrals for specialist advice, giving families a route to discuss additional needs.

The school provides hot lunches prepared on site, with two courses and a choice between meat and vegetarian main dishes. Special dietary needs can usually be accommodated; families should discuss them with the office and inform the class teacher. That qualification matters when planning meals for a child with dietary requirements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal primary admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The Reception application route is through Rochdale Council.

Preparation for that next stage begins with Nursery’s emphasis on speaking, listening and recognising sounds. These learning foundations are separate from the decision about admission: choosing the nursery should not be treated as securing a later school place.

General enquiries go through the school office on 0161 643 0753 or at mid-office@mid.fa1.uk. The office also provides the link families need to access their child’s class on Class Dojo.

For current charges, contact the school. Breakfast Club and After School Club enquiries also go through the office, which handles their booking arrangements, timings and costs.