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Nursery at St Andrew's CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An EYFS playground that children can use freely gives St Andrew's nursery a day that reaches beyond the classroom. Wellington boots and waterproof trousers are kept at school, making outdoor activity part of the practical routine rather than something dependent on families supplying extra kit. Families can also bring their child's own boots and waterproof trousers if preferred.
This is the school's own nursery in Levenshulme, Manchester, admitting children from age three. There are 26 part-time places, organised around Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning attendance. For families, that concentrated pattern is a defining practical feature: nursery occupies the first part of the week.
Children combine activities guided by adults with play they choose themselves. Staff plan daily tasks around children's interests and next learning steps, while independent activities give them opportunities to explore their own ideas. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning about language, numbers and the world with physical development, relationships and creative expression. Children learn through play, exploration and activities indoors and outside.
Development Matters guides staff observations and planning. That means what children can already do informs the activities and adult support that follow. In art, children experiment with mixing colours, constructing with materials and joining pieces together; discussing what they want to make brings language and problem-solving into the same activity.
Outdoors, the EYFS playground extends the nursery classroom, with children able to choose between its areas. Outdoor learning continues across the year and through most weather, and the EYFS curriculum also uses neighbouring Highfield Park. These are concrete opportunities to move, investigate and learn beyond indoor activities.
Once families accept a nursery place, the Nursery Team arranges a transition programme. Regular meetings with parents support the move into school and progress through the EYFS. At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that early-years children became familiar with routines promptly and that staff successfully encouraged their interest in learning.
Food needs planning at home. Children bring a balanced packed lunch for Monday and Tuesday, with lunch scheduled from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Morning snacks include fruit. Milk can be ordered free for children under five. The school excludes nuts because of severe allergies, so lunchboxes must also avoid products that may contain them.
Support for additional needs involves the class teacher and SENDCO, with parents contributing to assessment and reviews. Where needed, Individual Provision Plans set targets and are revisited each term. School facilities include three accessible bathrooms, one with nappy-changing equipment. ClassDojo carries advice and updates for parents, giving families another connection with school between meetings.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Manchester local authority's normal application process. The school specifies a January deadline; parents should follow the nominated date for their application year.
The admission arrangements for September 2026 give no priority for nursery attendance. That cycle's criteria cover care status, medical or social needs, siblings, church attendance and distance. Familiarity with school therefore needs to be distinguished from entitlement to a place.
For children with SEND moving between classes, staff pass information and provision plans to the next teacher. Additional transition sessions can be arranged when parents or staff consider them necessary. This supports preparation for change separately from the admissions decision.
Doors open at 8.40am and close at 8.50am, when registration takes place. Collection is at 3.15pm on Monday and Tuesday, and 11.10am on Wednesday. Nursery families use the Broom Avenue gate near the staff car park for both drop-off and collection.
Uniform includes a royal blue cardigan or sweatshirt, a white or light blue polo shirt and grey or black trousers, skirt or pinafore. Pack spare clothing, a labelled sports-cap water bottle and a waterproof hooded coat. Tours can be booked through the school office on 0161 432 2731; enquiries can also go to admin@st-andrews.manchester.sch.uk.
Children must be three before they can be admitted.
The part-time pattern covers Monday and Tuesday, with Wednesday morning completing the week.
Bring a balanced packed lunch on Monday and Tuesday. Avoid anything containing nuts or labelled as potentially containing them because of severe allergies within school.
No. A separate application through Manchester local authority is required. The September 2026 arrangements give no priority for attending the nursery.
Call the school office on 0161 432 2731 to arrange a tour.
