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Nursery at St Anthony's Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sand, stories and repeated encounters with new words give St Anthony’s nursery its character. Language is a central focus, with the same story shared five times a day across the early years to help children become familiar with vocabulary and storytelling patterns.
The nursery belongs to St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School in Manchester. It has capacity for up to 90 children, organised into three nursery classes, with two indoor learning spaces and an outdoor learning environment. That gives play a place both inside and outside.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. In nursery, the emphasis is on talking and understanding, physical development, and learning to manage feelings and relationships. These are the foundations for the other learning areas: number work, literacy, creative expression and exploring the world.
Children combine activities led by adults with play they initiate themselves. Half-term themes take account of their interests, celebrations and events. Water, chalk, sand, paint and glue are part of their exploration, so spare clothing has a practical purpose here.
The September 2024 routine combined morning story time with periods of play and exploration, milk, phonics and an afternoon maths input. Teaching inputs sit alongside time to use the learning spaces. Catholic learning also has a regular place: The Way, the Truth and the Life is the religious education scheme, alongside weekly prayer and liturgy.
Stories for Talking and 5 a day give repeated reading a named structure. Large visual timetables, pictures identifying activity areas and communication mats help children understand what comes next and take part in activities. Picture sequences also support routines such as painting and toileting, making instructions something children can return to.
Settling begins with a group and an adult contact; the key worker is confirmed once children have settled. The September 2024 start was staged, progressing from shorter sessions to a morning including lunch, with full-time attendance dependent on each child’s needs and adjustment. The pace matters as much as the timetable.
Each child has an online learning journal through Tapestry, which can include photographs, video and audio of learning. Parents can speak to teachers after the other children have been handed over, or send a message through the office. Toileting support is provided, with spare underwear, clothes and wipes requested for children who need them.
Lunch takes place in the dining hall. Families can choose a paid school meal or send a packed lunch; those entitled to free school meals should contact the office. Ask the school for current meal charges.
WellComm screening checks communication and language each term in early years. Individual and group support follows during the week, and the team works with a specialist speech and language professional. For SEND concerns, parents can approach the class teacher or SEND team. This creates a route from an initial concern to discussion about support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not itself confer priority. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, following the normal application timetable. For Manchester families, the Reception application route is Manchester Education Authority.
Preparation for the classroom change is separate from allocation of places. New Reception starters have a summer parent and carer session with the teacher and SENDCO, followed by two taster sessions later in the summer term. These opportunities introduce the next stage; they do not change admission priority.
The September 2024 arrangements had drop-off between 8:30am and 8:40am and collection at 3:05pm. Access was through the front school gate, with a separate door for each side of nursery. Anyone collecting must be at least 16, and a password system applies when someone else collects.
Nursery uniform includes a blue polo shirt, maroon jumper or cardigan, grey trousers or a skirt/pinafore, and black shoes. Label clothing and bags, and provide a water bottle and clothing suited to the weather. Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 0161 437 3029.
There is capacity for up to 90 children, across three nursery classes.
Repeated stories, visual communication aids and termly WellComm screening support language development. Individual and group interventions take place during the week.
The September 2024 arrangements used a staggered start, building towards full-time attendance according to each child’s needs and how they settled. An adult contact is allocated initially, with the key worker confirmed after settling.
Yes. Children can bring a packed lunch instead of having a school meal, and nursery lunch is eaten in the dining hall.
No. Attendance does not guarantee a place or itself confer priority. A separate Reception application must be made through the home local authority.
