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Nursery at Our Lady's RC Primary School Manchester
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Water play, action rhymes and a Tuesday library visit give this nursery its everyday character. The nursery class belongs to Our Lady's RC Primary School Manchester, on Whalley Road in Whalley Range. Its 2026–2027 programme combines learning through play with short group activities and Catholic religious teaching.
Faith has a practical place in the day. Children practise prayers and hymns, discuss Bible stories and use circle time to think about gratitude and caring for the world. Families choosing this provision are choosing that religious context alongside the early learning programme.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the learning. For parents, that means activities connecting language, movement and relationships with early reading, number, creativity and discovery. The nursery also develops the Characteristics of Effective Learning: children explore, persist with activities and try out their own ideas. Play is part of the teaching.
Topics change through the year, from Ourselves and Traditional Stories to Plants and growing, Under the Sea and Minibeasts. Small groups meet for story, number and phonics activities, giving children opportunities to speak, listen and wait for a turn. Morning phonics includes sound games, recognising names and listening for the sounds that begin words. Number activities use objects, songs and movement; children also sort colours, make patterns and create pictures with shapes.
Learning continues across indoor and outdoor areas during the day. Painting, corn flour and the water tray bring hands-on exploration into the programme. Stories invite children to repeat phrases, put events in order and talk about characters' feelings. On Tuesday mornings, the school library provides another opportunity to hear a story and choose a book to take home. Parents read that library book to their child, then return it for the next exchange.
Independence starts with manageable tasks. Children are encouraged to put away their own belongings, register themselves and practise name writing before staff help them choose an activity. This gives the beginning of the day a familiar sequence. In May 2024, Ofsted identified established early-years routines that helped children understand behaviour expectations, alongside nursery songs and rhymes that developed communication.
Tapestry connects classroom learning with home. Parents receive photographs and explanations of activities, and can contribute their own pictures and information. Staff offer brief conversations before or after school, with meetings arranged for longer discussions.
For additional needs, the school's SEND policy describes a cycle of assessment, planning, support and review, with parents involved in planning and reviewing provision. Named school resources include the Rainbow therapeutic Play room and Rainbow sensory garden. Their purposes include social communication and motor development; these are school support facilities rather than a description of the nursery's everyday outdoor area.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
The nursery door opens at 8.45am, with children expected in class by 8.55am for the start of their activities. These are morning entry arrangements. The school's collection guidance directs parents to classroom exterior doors.
Uniform is required. Bring labelled spare clothing and a hooded coat, since messy play and water activities can leave children needing a change. PE takes place on Mondays and Thursdays, when children should arrive wearing their kit. The nursery specifies a white T-shirt, navy bottoms, the usual school jumper or cardigan and trainers.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0161 226 2767 or email admin@ourladys-pri.manchester.sch.uk.
They learn through play and topic activities within the EYFS, with group sessions for phonics, number and stories. Topics include Traditional Stories, Under the Sea and Minibeasts.
Yes. The nursery uses both indoor and outdoor learning areas throughout the day. Messy activities include painting, corn flour and water play.
Tapestry shares photographs and explanations of learning. Parents can add information from home, speak informally with staff or arrange a longer meeting.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, by its deadline.
Children wear uniform and bring labelled spare clothing and a hooded coat. On Mondays and Thursdays they come dressed for PE, including trainers.
