Old Hall Drive Academy Nursery Review

Sounds, rhymes and books chosen by children give Old Hall Drive’s nursery a clear language focus. This is the nursery within Old Hall Drive Academy in Gorton, Manchester, where the school’s age range begins at three. Its early years provision received an Outstanding judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 21 and 22 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

In May 2024, children showed confidence and independence through imaginative play. Staff responded promptly to gaps in children’s development, giving those starting with different levels of knowledge support for their next steps.

Language learning runs through the early years day. Circle time, speaking activities and listening activities sit alongside songs, poems and nursery rhymes. Adults model conversations and taking turns, while also teaching new words and ideas directly. For a young child, this makes learning to communicate part of ordinary play and interaction.

The Early Years Foundation Stage brings learning and development together here through play, language and social routines. In May 2024, the learning environment supported children’s development across its different areas, and staff had the expertise to help them learn. Children listened to one another and shared resources considerately. Learning alongside others mattered as well as learning independently.

Nursery reading begins with recognising sounds and rhymes. Children also choose books to take home for enjoyment, with teachers helping them find something appealing. That gives families a practical way to share the nursery’s interest in stories. In June 2026, Jack and the Beanstalk was a nursery reading choice.

Settling into routines was a strength of early years in May 2024: children adapted quickly and became eager to learn. Nursery teachers and nursery teaching assistants form part of the early years team, with leadership covering EYFS and Key Stage 1.

School support includes speech and language therapy and an occupational therapy team working with children and teaching staff. The school aims to adapt support to individual needs. For families whose child needs help with communication or development, these are useful services to discuss with the team.

Meals are cooked on site using fresh ingredients. School lunchtime combines eating with conversation, encouragement to taste different foods and learning table manners. Arbor lets parents choose school meals and receive messages addressed either to the whole school or individually, keeping practical communication in one place.

Reception admission is separate. A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at Old Hall Drive Academy. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process; nursery attendance should never be treated as securing the next place.

Preparation for later learning is a different matter. Nursery work on sounds and rhymes builds an early foundation for learning to read. The educational continuity is useful, but it does not change the admissions position.

The nursery day starts at 8.35am and finishes at 3.10pm. Staff meet children in the playground before taking them to the classroom. Gates close at 8.45am; after that, a grown-up must sign a late-arriving child in through the main office.

Uniform combines royal blue knitwear with a white shirt or polo shirt, grey trousers or a skirt, and black shoes. Every pupil receives a branded jumper at the beginning of each school year, plus a book bag when first joining. Pre-loved clothing and end-of-term uniform swaps offer further practical help.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 223 2805 or email admin@oldhalldrive.manchester.sch.uk.